A changing world of work
The world of work is always changing and new jobs are being created all the time—some will be jobs we hadn’t even considered 15 years ago!
New technology is being developed all the time
How is it affecting jobs?
- New technology is the main reason for old jobs disappearing and new jobs being created.
- Self-service machines in shops and fewer checkout staff; robots on production lines; online banking - branches closing.
- Growing demand for people in emerging areas such as immersive technologies, creative media and drone technology.
Job areas that will be in high demand include:
- Cyber security
- Computing
- Electronics
- Design engineering
- Creative media
- Aerospace
- Agritech
- Transport technologies
- Biotech
- Culture and tourism
.
People are living longer
How is it affecting jobs?
- People need more health and social care.
- Self-care technologies are being developed.
- Advances in drugs research, gene therapies and biotechnology.
- Growing demand for personal care and support.
Job areas that will be in high demand include:
- Health care
- Social care
- Life sciences
- Pharmacology
- Wellbeing and leisure services
- Biotech and health tech
.
We must take action on climate change
How is it affecting jobs?
- More research and action for reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment.
- Lower carbon transport development. Renewable energy and greener technologies.
- Reducing carbon and waste in homes and workplaces.
- Ecosystem conservation.
Job areas that will be in high demand include:
- Transport technologies
- Design engineering
- Chemical processing
- Recycling
- Construction
- Agritech
- Energy and utilities
- Conservation
- Environmental science
.
Demand for higher skills is growing
How is it affecting jobs?
- We are living in a knowledge economy - influences such as global competition and new technologies mean more jobs for those with higher skills.
- More cutting-edge research and development.
- Demand for professional services such as architecture, science, marketing, law and engineering.
- Food security and environmental consultancy high priority.
Job areas that will be in high demand include:
- Research and development
- Education
- Engineering
- Marketing
- Business consultancy
- Manufacturing
- Cyber security
- Financial services
- Creative technologies
- Agritech
.
Most of the new jobs being created require higher-level skills or a level 4 and above qualification such as a degree, higher or degree apprenticeship, foundation degree, HNC or HND from a college or university. But there will also be lots of vacancies to replace people who retire or move on, and employers will need young talent! Check out the sector pages to find out which roles employers are particularly struggling to recruit for.