Electricity and Control January-February 2025

Reskilling, upskilling + training

globally planning to reorient their businesses to target new opportunities resulting from the technology. The most common workforce response to these changes is expected to be upskilling workers, with 77% of employers planning to do so. However, 41% plan to reduce their workforce as AI automates certain tasks. Almost half of employers expect to transition sta€ from roles exposed to AI disruption into other parts of their business, an opportunity to alleviate skills shortages and reduce the human cost of technological transformation. Given the rapid growth of emerging technologies, business leaders, policymakers and workers will need to work together to ensure workforces are ready and to reduce risks of unemployment across sectors and geographies. Beyond technology: economic, demographic and geoeconomic shi‘s The rising cost of living is another key factor driving labour market change, with half of employers expecting it to transform business models. While global inflation has eased, price pressures and slower economic growth are projected to displace six million jobs globally by 2030. These challenges are increasing demand for resilience, agility, flexibility and creative thinking skills. Demographic shi‘s also play a part in reshaping labour markets, with ageing populations predominantly in higher income countries driving demand for healthcare roles and expanding working-age populations in lower-income regions fuelling growth in education professions. Workforce strategies focused on improving talent management, teaching and mentoring skills are essential to bridging these gaps. Geopolitical tensions are a top concern for 34% of businesses, while trade restrictions and industrial policy shi‘s transform many more, with some companies planning to adapt through o€shoring and reshoring strategies. These pressures are also increasing demand for skills such as cybersecurity. A need for urgent action Addressing the sweeping changes outlined in the report requires urgent and collective action across government, business and education sectors. Key priority areas include bridging skills gaps, investing in reskilling and upskilling initiatives and creating accessible pathways into jobs and skills that are seeing fast growth in demand. By prioritising equitable and inclusive workforce transitions and strategies – and supporting workers through these transformations – stakeholders can build a resilient and adaptable workforce that is prepared to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow. □

The top 10 skills that will see fastest growing demand by 2030.

The World Economic Forum is actively addressing the challenges raised by the Future of Jobs Report 2025 through specific focused programmes. The Reskilling Revolution [2] aims to equip one billion people with better education, skills and economic opportunities by 2030, creating scalable solutions for workforce transformation. The Jobs Initiative [3] engages government, business and civil society to prepare workers for dynamic job transitions, improve job quality and harness the potential of AI and green technology. References [1] The Future of Jobs Report 2025 : https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/ [2] The Reskilling Revolution: https://initiatives.weforum.org/reskilling-revolution/home [3] The Jobs Initiative : https://initiatives.weforum.org/jobs-initiative/home

For more information visit: www.weforum.org

JAN-FEB 2025 Electricity + Control

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