The World Economic Forum’s was published a few days ago and sheds light on trends in employment across the world.
With rapid changes in our society, it is vital that schools are flexible and forward-thinking in how they prepare young people for their futures.
Here are six key insights for schools to help inform careers advice and events.
1. Digital skills
The transformative potential of digital access is a key theme of the report, with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), big data and cybersecurity expected to drive significant job creation (see page 62 of the report).
Schools, therefore, have a critical role to play in ensuring pupils are digitally literate. Programming, data analysis and an understanding of AI systems will be vital in order to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
To embed these skills, schools should look to see how far their curriculum policies ensure equal access to digital tools and learning resources.
Beyond the IT curriculum, schools can emphasise the value of practical experience, whether through coding clubs, technology competitions, etc. Schools might also look to establish partnerships with technology firms or higher education institutions to expose pupils (and staff) to cutting-edge developments.
2. The ‘human-machine frontier’
By 2030, the report claims nearly one-third of work tasks will be automated, with human-machine collaboration playing an increasingly important role in many professions, as highlighted on page 63.
Schools should prepare pupils for this reality by highlighting the importance of hybrid skills: the ability to work effectively with AI and other technologies while demonstrating uniquely human strengths, such as empathy, leadership and creative thinking.
Schools should ensure policies encourage pupils to develop these hybrid skills. For example, collaborative projects involving both technical and soft skills can demonstrate how these competencies interact.
3. People-centred professions
In contrast to the first two points, demographic shifts are also reshaping the demand for healthcare and social care roles with an ageing population.
This means while many jobs will have a real focus on new technology, many more will have a total focus on human care and interaction.
This is certainly something for schools to emphasise for pupils who are less enthused at the thought of a technology focus in their future careers.
4. Curiosity and lifelong learning
The willingness to learn and adapt is one of the most valued attributes employers seek, with curiosity and lifelong learning ranking highly among the skills expected to grow in importance by 2030 (page 79).
Given this, it would make sense for PSHE and careers advice to focus on cultivating these attitudes in pupils, presenting them as essential tools for navigating a fast-changing world.
Indeed, the report also suggests that by 2030, 59 per cent of the global workforce will require reskilling or upskilling as technology changes rapidly (page 52).
For schools, this statistic highlights the importance of fostering a culture of lifelong learning. Careers advice and the general ethos of the school should stress that pupils will be wanting to embrace opportunities for professional development throughout their lives.
5. The green economy
The green economy is a rapidly growing field, driven by global efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change, which means jobs such as renewable energy engineers, environmental scientists and autonomous vehicle specialists are among the fastest-growing careers (page 40).
Ideally, then, schools should incorporate climate-focused initiatives into their careers policies as well as more widely into the curriculum. This could include environmental clubs, partnerships with organisations involved in green technologies or inviting professionals to speak with pupils.
Careers advisers and tutors can also link green careers to pupils’ personal values, showing how they can contribute to addressing the global climate challenge while building fulfilling professional lives.
6. Diversity and inclusion
Finally, the report underscores the growing emphasis employers place on diversity, equity and inclusion, with 83 per cent now prioritising these initiatives (page 52), an underlying trend that headline political changes are doing little to reverse.
Careers advisers, therefore, have a crucial role in ensuring all pupils, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, are aware of opportunities in industries actively seeking to diversify their workforces.
Schools can make inclusion a cornerstone of their careers policies by offering tailored support to pupils with additional barriers to entering the workforce. This might include mentorship schemes, networking opportunities or guidance on accessing apprenticeships or scholarships.
Luke Ramsden is deputy head of an independent school and chair of trustees for the
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