WEF: Tech boom to create millions of jobs, but skills gap looms

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 forecasts that job disruption will impact 22% of positions globally by 2030. The report predicts a net gain of 78 million jobs, with 170 million new roles created and 92 million displaced.

Technological advancements, demographic shifts, geoeconomic tensions, and economic pressures are driving these changes, fundamentally reshaping industries and professions worldwide.

The report highlighted that the skills gap remains a critical challenge, with nearly 40% of job-related skills expected to change by 2030. 63% of employers identify this gap as the primary barrier to business transformation. While demand for technology skills in AI, big data, and cybersecurity is projected to surge, human-centric skills such as resilience, flexibility, and creative thinking remain essential. Success in the fast-evolving job market increasingly requires a hybrid of technical and human skills.

Frontline roles, including farmworkers, delivery drivers, and construction workers, are expected to see substantial growth by 2030. Essential sectors such as healthcare and education will also expand, with demographic trends driving demand for nursing professionals and secondary school teachers.

Meanwhile, advancements in AI and renewable energy are creating new opportunities for specialists in robotics, environmental engineering, and related fields. However, some roles, including cashiers, administrative assistants, and graphic designers, are among the fastest-declining positions as automation and generative AI (GenAI) reshape the labour market.

AI is playing a transformative role across industries, with half of employers planning to leverage the technology to unlock new business opportunities. In response, 77% of organisations are planning to upskill their workforce, though 41% anticipate reducing staff as automation replaces specific tasks. Almost half of employers also plan to redeploy employees affected by AI-driven changes, demonstrating a dual focus on mitigating job displacement and addressing skill shortage.

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Economic challenges, including the rising cost of living and slower growth, are also reshaping workforce dynamics. These pressures are increasing demand for skills such as agility, resilience, and creative problem-solving. Demographic shifts add another layer of complexity, with ageing populations driving demand for healthcare roles in higher-income regions, while growing working-age populations in lower-income areas fuel the need for educators. Workforce strategies that prioritise mentorship, talent management, and teaching capabilities are critical to addressing these shifts.

The report calls for immediate, collaborative efforts among organisations, governments, and educational institutions. Bridging the skills gap, investing in reskilling and upskilling, and creating accessible pathways to emerging roles are essential steps to prepare for the future of work.

Till Leopold, Head of Work, Wages and Job Creation at the World Economic Forum, said, “Trends such as GenAI and rapid technological shifts are upending industries and labour markets, creating both unprecedented opportunities and profound risks. The time is now for organisations and governments to work together, invest in skills and build an equitable and resilient global workforce.”