Future-Proof Skills by 2031: AI Fluency, Clean-Energy Trades, and More
The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 reveals that by 2030, the world will see 170 million new jobs, but 92 million existing roles will disappear. Over the next five years, employers expect a shift in 39% of vital skills, down from 44% in 2023. AI and big data are emerging as the fastest-growing technical skills, while analytical thinking remains the most sought-after ability. Creative thinking is becoming important in fields like insurance, education, and telecom. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that solar photovoltaic installers and wind turbine technicians will grow the fastest, with increases of 42% and nearly 50%, respectively, from 2024 to 2034.
Key facts
- World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 projects 170 million new roles by 2030 and 92 million disappearing.
- Employers expect 39% of core skills to change in five years, down from 44% in 2023.
- AI and big data top the list of fastest-growing technological skills.
- Analytical thinking is the most demanded skill today.
- Creative thinking is rising fastest in insurance, education, and telecom.
- Solar installer employment projected to grow 42% and wind turbine technician nearly 50% from 2024 to 2034.
- Home health and personal care aide jobs projected to grow 17%, adding 740,000 jobs.
- ISC2's 2024 Cybersecurity Workforce Study puts global cybersecurity workforce gap at 4.8 million unfilled positions.
Entities
Institutions
- World Economic Forum
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- ISC2
- U.S. Census Bureau
Locations
- United States
Sources
- Quartz —