Jobs set to boom, fade in the next five years - report

About 170 million new jobs will be created by global macro trends this decade, somewhat good news for the large number of jobless individuals seeking to make an entry into the workforce.

However, the good news comes with a mixed reality as some of the jobs are predicted to experience the largest decline in employment figures in the coming five years, making them less lucrative.

Conversely, others are expected to record the largest growth in the period under review.

This is according to the global economic think-tank, the World Economic Forum (WEF), which in its 'Future of Jobs Report 2025' outlines the most promising career opportunities and areas of job growth alongside a stark warning about the professions likely to face the sharpest decline by 2030.

Farmworkers top the list as the most lucrative venture over the coming half a decade, the report says.

This is to be supported by the green transition trends, including efforts to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to the climate crisis, with WEF saying the prospect will drive growth that will create about 34 million additional jobs by 2030, adding to the 200 million farmworkers today.

"Widening digital access and the rising cost of living are also contributing to the profession's growth."

Delivery drivers, software developers, building construction workers and shop salespersons complete the top five lucrative jobs according to the report.

Food processing workers also feature among the largest growing jobs, while care jobs, including nursing professionals, social workers and counselling professionals, are also projected to grow significantly over the next five years.

Largest declines

On the other hand, jobs such as cashiers and ticket clerks, administrative assistants and executive secretaries, building caretakers, cleaners and housekeepers, material recording and stock-keeping clerks, as well as printing and related trades workers, are expected to see the largest declines by 2030.

Other roles within this category include accounting professionals, transportation attendants and conductors, security guards, bank tellers, and data entry clerks.

Nevertheless, the report highlights the skills that workers will need in order to thrive in this coming period under review.

This is amid the expectation by surveyed employers that 39 per cent of key skills required in the job market will change by 2030.

"Technological skills are projected to grow in importance more rapidly than any other skills in the next five years. AI (artificial intelligence) and big data are at the top of the list, followed by networks and cybersecurity and technological literacy," WEF says.

"Creative thinking and resilience, flexibility and agility are also rising in importance, along with curiosity and lifelong learning."

Rounding out the top 10 skills on the rise are leadership and social influence, talent management, analytical thinking and environmental stewardship.

This is as businesses increasingly invest in reskilling and upskilling programmes to align their workforce with evolving demands, the report says.