Today’s labour market is experiencing rapid change. The ways in which we work, how we apply for vacancies, and the jobs in demand are shifting and developing in response to global influences such as advancements in technology and ageing populations.
We might think that over the next couple of decades the jobs we’ll be doing will be very different to those of today but in fact, many of the jobs available to us in the future are likely to be very familiar. Here are just a few of the jobs and careers we can expect to be in demand over the next 15 years.
- Cyber security expert
Jobs in cyber security might be more wide-ranging than you think. As well as technical roles protecting large computer networks and individual devices from threats, there are jobs in risk analysis, policy making, education and forensics. A background in cyber security can also be combined with a creative career – authors and journalists will never be short of material to write about! - Electronics engineer
All types of engineer are in demand but in an increasingly tech-driven world, people who can design, develop, test and maintain electrical devices and equipment for a wide range of sectors will be highly sought after. You could be working with technologies in the medical, agricultural, defence, energy, robotics, music or manufacturing sector amongst others. And with skills that are in demand all over the world, you could add overseas travel to a really exciting career.
- Nurse
The Royal College of Nursing estimates that by 2030 the UK will have a shortfall of 140,600 nurses; mental health and learning disability nursing have the most severe shortages. A nursing degree is the most common route into this rewarding career but the government is aiming for 20% of nurses to be recruited through degree apprenticeships by 2028/9. Starting out in a nursing associate role can also be a stepping stone to becoming a registered nurse.
- Forester
Forest management and woodland creation is crucial for addressing sustainability and the impact of climate change, and for preserving ecosystems and biodiversity. Some foresters move into this career from a related job, others by progressing from an assistant role. Professional forester apprenticeships are promoted to people of all backgrounds by the government as this is a shortage role in the UK.
- User experience (UX) designer
This job combines branding, design, functionality and usability for websites, apps and other digital platforms to help make the user’s experience pleasurable and uncomplicated. This is a key area for online retail, education, banking and finance, and many other digital services. - Carpenter and joiner
Construction trades continue to be in high demand in the UK with thousands of people needed every year to fill essential roles. People with carpentry and joinery skills might work on building the fabric of a building or on furniture and fittings, perhaps incorporating an element of design. You could work for a large or small business or be self-employed.
- Data analyst
How do we keep track of the vast amount of digital information stored about people, their behaviour and their preferences and what can it all tell us? Data analysts can help us to make sense of situations and scenarios by presenting complex data in a clear way. Big data analytics is one of the largest drivers of jobs growth. - Esports coach
Competitive online gaming is getting more and more popular. With some big prizes to be won, players need to make sure they have that competitive edge. An esports coach can help with strategy, motivation and fair play. - Care worker
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the nation acknowledged the value of people who work as carers for others. However, there are over 150,000 vacancies in adult social care in the UK today, according to Skills for Care. Hugely rewarding, these can be careers with plenty of opportunities to progress. - Diagnostics technician (light vehicle)
Cars are fitted with more electronics than you can shake a stick at these days and it’s the job of a diagnostics technician to spot the fault. With more electric vehicles hitting the road every year and driverless vehicles on their way, how could we manage without them? - Epidemiologist
There will be lots of jobs in life sciences in the future. Epidemiologists research the causes and effects of viruses and diseases in an increasingly global society – following the recent Covid-19 pandemic their knowledge is needed more than ever. - Countryside officer
Nature conservation – protecting a particular habitat such as woodland, open moor or a stretch of coastline – helps to improve the environment as well as encourage people to enjoy and respect it. Countryside or conservation officers do work that we all benefit from in one way or another. - Urban planner
Planners play a crucial role in developing and managing our towns, cities and rural environments. Urban planners consider how the buildings, public spaces and infrastructure around us affect our daily living, and look at ways to make them safer, more sustainable and better for the future. - Agronomist
Agronomists are experts in the science of soil management and aim to improve the growing of crops. With food supply a constant concern around the world, we must look to continuously adapt farming methods; cutting edge agri-tech is playing an increasingly important role in this ‘in demand’ job. - Artist
Do you have an artistic streak? From video gaming, animation and virtual reality to packaging design, landscape design, fashion and advertising – a talent for art can be useful in a wide range of careers. - Accountant
While automation might take over some of the more routine tasks of accountancy, businesses will still be turning to accounting experts for advice and problem solving. There are many different types of accountant including auditors, management accountants, bookkeepers, and forensic accountants. - Teacher
Education is a valuable part of our development and a vital stepping stone for accessing a wide range of career opportunities. However, according to the latest Employer Skills Survey, over half of vacancies in the UK education sector are hard to fill, with teachers of physics, maths, computer science and languages in very short supply. - Maintenance technician
Manufacturing companies create the products of today and the future, and these are becoming increasingly hi-tech. Some jobs on the production line might be at risk of automation but humans will still be needed to make sure the machines run smoothly and efficiently. Find out more about different technician careers and how to become one at www.technicians.org.uk. - VFX artist
VFX artists use digitally generated images to create visual effects in TV, film, gaming and other areas. There are many different types of VFX artist who are both artistic and confident using software. The UK is a world leader in the visual effects sector thanks to its strengths in film and TV production. - Sales accounts manager
All sectors need people skilled at selling things. There are lots of opportunities for those who can help to develop and grow the sales of a company.
- Flood risk engineer
Climate change is creating more extreme weather and the pressures on green spaces and rural areas are increasing. In the UK, the flood risk sector is expanding, creating more roles in flood and coastal risk management and problem solving.
Some areas of work may be growing fast, but even in sectors where jobs aren’t increasing in number, people will still be needed to replace those who leave their posts – especially in high-skilled roles.
However, new careers that we aren’t talking about yet will keep emerging. To prepare for change in the future, aim to develop a range of employability skills alongside a positive attitude to keep learning throughout your working life – this will help you to jump to new roles or sectors if you need to, or if you feel like a change.
© Helen Janota
Helen is an independent Chartered Information Professional and Registered Career Development Professional specialising in careers and labour market information. More about Helen.
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