A new report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) reveals that by 2030, 170 million new jobs will be created globally, while 92 million jobs will be displaced, resulting in a net increase of 78 million job opportunities. However, this growth comes with a pressing challenge: the rapid disruption of skills required to fill these roles.
According to WEF’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, nearly 40% of skills needed for future jobs will change, with 63% of employers reporting that skill shortages are a major obstacle to business transformation. The findings underscore the urgent need for upskilling and reskilling the workforce.
The report projects that 59 out of every 100 workers will need some form of reskilling or upskilling by 2030, but unfortunately, 11 out of these 59 workers may not receive the necessary training. This indicates that immediate action must be taken to prevent over 120 million workers from facing redundancy in the medium term.
As technology rapidly reshapes industries, industries are expected to see significant growth in skills related to Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data, and cybersecurity. At the same time, human skills such as creativity, resilience, flexibility, and agility will remain crucial for adapting to new roles. A combination of both technological and human skills will be essential for workers to stay competitive in the evolving job market.
The report also highlights that frontline roles, such as farmworkers, delivery drivers, and construction workers, will experience substantial job growth by 2030. Additionally, positions in sectors like healthcare and education, such as nursing professionals and secondary school teachers, will see rising demand due to demographic trends.
On the flip side, AI and automation are expected to reduce roles like cashiers, administrative assistants, and even graphic designers, as they reshape the labor market.
The WEF stresses the importance of urgent, collective action across governments, businesses, and educational institutions to bridge the skills gap. Investment in reskilling initiatives, accessible training programs, and pathways to fast-growing sectors will be crucial to creating a future-ready workforce.
With AI-driven transformations already underway, global employers are adjusting their strategies, with 77% planning to upskill their workforce and 41% planning workforce reductions due to automation.
As the WEF Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos-Klosters approaches, global leaders will gather to discuss these issues under the theme, Collaboration for the Intelligent Age, focusing on how to prepare workers for the future of work.
