Upskilling Is The Answer As Four In 10 Employers May Reduce Workforce
The fastest-growing jobs are in technology, data and AI, but core economy roles will also see growth, according to a World Economic Forum report.
"I want AI to do my laundry and dishes so that I can do art and writing, not for AI to do my art and writing so that I can do my laundry and dishes." This sentiment expressed by author and videogame enthusiast Joanna Maciejewska, that went viral, sums up the anxieties most people have about artificial intelligence.
With jump-scares of AI taking over jobs all over the Internet, picking a career has become more about figuring out what jobs will survive the next 10 years. A report by the World Economic Forum has stated job disruption will equate to 22% of jobs by 2030. A total of 170 million new roles are set to be created and 92 million displaced, resulting in a net increase of 78 million jobs.
The fastest-growing jobs are in technology, data and AI, but growth is also expected for core economy roles. These are roles like delivery drivers, care roles, educators and farmworkers. Based on data from over 1,000 companies, this report finds that the skills gap continues to be the biggest barrier to business transformation. Nearly 40% of skills required on the job set to change, and 63% of employers already citing it as the key barrier. Fastest growing skills increasingly crucial in a fast-shifting job market by 2030 are set to be a blend of both technology and soft skills.
"Trends such as generative AI and rapid technological shifts are upending industries and labour markets, creating both unprecedented opportunities and profound risks," said Till Leopold, head of work, wages and job creation at the World Economic Forum.
Job Market 2030: What's In
Roles like farmworkers, delivery drivers and construction workers are poised to see the largest job growth in absolute terms by 2030. Significant increases are also projected for care jobs, such as nursing professionals, and education roles, such as secondary school teachers. Demographic trends display that growth in these sectors has driven demand.
Meanwhile, advances in AI, robotics and energy systems, specially in renewable energy and environmental engineering, are expected to increase demand for specialist roles in these fields.
Graphic design is among the roles on the fastest declining list along with cashiers and administrative assistants thanks to generative AI rapidly reshaping the labour market.
The Biggest Barriers
If the global workforce were represented by a group of 100 people, 59 are projected to require reskilling or upskilling by 2030—11 of whom are unlikely to receive it, according to the report. This translates to over 120 million workers at medium-term risk of redundancy.
Technology skills in AI, big data and networks and cybersecurity are expected to see the fastest growth in demand. Meanwhile, human skills such as analytical thinking, cognitive skills, resilience, leadership and collaboration will remain critical core skills.
AI And Upskilling
We have to accept, AI is reshaping business models with half of employers globally planning to restructure their business to tap into new technology-based opportunities.
The most common workforce response to these changes is expected to be upskilling workers, with 77% of employers planning to do so. However, 41% plan to reduce their workforce as AI automates certain tasks.
What Else Is Changing?
The rising cost of living is another key factor driving labour market change, with half of employers expecting it to transform business models. Global inflation has eased, but price pressures and slower economic growth are projected to displace six million jobs globally by 2030.
Demographic shifts are reshaping labour markets, with ageing populations in higher-income countries driving demand for healthcare roles, while working-age population in lower-income regions fuelling growth in education-related professions. Workforce strategies focused on improving talent management, teaching and mentoring skills are essential to bridging these gaps.
Geopolitical tensions are a top concern for 34% of businesses, while trade restrictions and industrial policy shifts transform many more, with some companies planning to adapt through offshoring and reshoring strategies.
Key priority areas include bridging skills gaps, investing in reskilling and upskilling initiatives and creating accessible pathways into fast-growing jobs and skills that are seeing fast growth in demand.
