Based on data from more than 1,000 businesses, the latest report from the World Economic Forum shows that the skills gap continues to be the biggest barrier to job transformation, with nearly 40% of the skills needed in jobs set to change and 63% of employers citing this as the main obstacle they face.
Frontline jobs, essential sectors like health care and education, will see the highest job growth through 2030, the report said. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and renewable energy are reshaping the market, increasing demand for many tech or specialist positions but also leading to a decline in demand for other jobs, like graphic designers.
“Trends like generative AI and rapid technological change are upending industries and labor markets, creating both unprecedented opportunities and profound risks. Now is the time for businesses and governments to work together, invest in skills, and build a global workforce that is equitable and self-learning,” said Till Leopold, Head of Jobs, Wages and Job Creation at the World Economic Forum.
In terms of the job market through 2030, the World Economic Forum report finds that frontline positions, including farmworkers, delivery drivers and construction workers, are expected to see the largest employment growth in absolute terms. Caregiving jobs, such as nursing professionals, and education positions, such as secondary school teachers, are also expected to increase significantly. Meanwhile, advances in AI, robotics and energy systems – particularly in renewable energy and environmental engineering – are expected to increase demand for professionals in these fields.
Skills continue to be the most significant obstacle to business transformation in response to global macro trends. By 2030, assuming a global workforce of 100 people, 59 are expected to need reskilling or upskilling. However, 11 of these are unlikely to be reskilling or upskilling, equating to more than 120 million workers at risk of redundancy in the medium term.
Demand for tech skills in AI, big data and cybersecurity is expected to grow rapidly, but human skills such as creative thinking, resilience and flexibility remain important. A combination of both types of skills will become increasingly important in a rapidly changing job market.
AI is reshaping business models, with half of employers globally planning to reorient their business operations to address new opportunities created by technology. The most common response from employers to these changes is expected to be upskilling, with 77% of employers planning to do so. However, 41% of employers plan to reduce their workforce as AI automates certain tasks.
