The world is in constant transformation, and the job market is no exception. As we move towards the "future" (which is already quite present), new technologies emerge, societal demands change, and business models evolve—transformations that are shaping the current and future landscape of job creation in the country. In this scenario, it is essential to reflect on how we can prepare ourselves to face the challenges and seize the opportunities brought by the increasing possibilities that the digital and social revolution offers us.
To give a more concrete idea, up to a quarter of jobs worldwide are expected to undergo radical transformation in less than five years, affecting millions of workers. This is the main conclusion of the latest report on the Future of Work, prepared annually by the World Economic Forum, which took into account projections and estimates from about 800 surveyed companies (operating in 27 sectors) around the globe.
Therefore, technological innovations and the 4th industrial revolution will simultaneously create and eliminate millions of jobs, setting the course for the emergence of new trends and paving the way for the importance of recurrent and increasingly intensive professional updating.
AI drives new jobs
By 2027, the adoption of technology will be a key factor in business transformation. According to the survey, big data is at the top of the list of resources that should create jobs, with 65% of respondents expecting growth in related roles. Additionally, positions for data analysts and scientists, big data specialists, machine learning and AI experts, as well as cybersecurity professionals, are expected to grow by an average of 30%.
Digital commerce will lead to the largest absolute gains in jobs: approximately 2 million new roles are expected, such as specialists in e-commerce, digital transformation, and online marketing and strategy.
On the other hand, according to the report, the main jobs that are expected to disappear are: bank tellers and related employees, postal workers, cashiers and collectors, data entry clerks, administrative secretaries and executives, among others. I do not believe that these positions will cease to exist entirely, like elevator operators who were mandatory in the first half of the 20th century and later became luxury items – but rather, they are professions that will need to have a very pragmatic reason to persist, unlike how these activities are currently performed.
Increased green, educational and agricultural jobs
Investment in green transition and climate change mitigation, as well as the growing consumer awareness of sustainability issues, are also guiding the transformation of the labor market. As countries seek more sources of renewable energy, system and installation engineers in the field will be in high demand.The investment will also drive growth in more generalist roles, such as sustainability specialists and environmental protection professionals, who are expected to grow by 33% and 34%, respectively, resulting in approximately 1 million jobs.
Meanwhile, the greatest absolute gains will come from education and agriculture.The report concludes that vacancies in the area should grow by about 10%, resulting in 3 million additional teaching positions. Jobs aimed at professionals in the agricultural sector, especially equipment operators, graders, and separators, could increase by 15% to 30%, resulting in over 4 million jobs.
The profound climate changes that have surprised us with their scope, intensity and frequency in recent months (I am writing this article in a week in which a large part of Brazil is recording the worst air quality levels in history, thanks to fires throughout the country and extreme drought out of season) should be a lever for these professions and activities.
Professional requalification
In contrast to the emergence of many highlighted opportunities, the companies interviewed in the World Economic Forum survey warn of significant gaps between workers' current skills and the future needs of businesses. Six out of ten employees will need requalification before 2027. Some of the main skills sought are training employees to use AI and big data, analytical thinking, and also skills to develop creative thinking.
Therefore, investing in continuous education to develop these (and other) skills is crucial to ensure employability in the present/future. That is, the concept oflifelong learning, which means lifelong learning, has never been as popular as it is now.
Ultimately, the future of the labor market will be characterized by rapid and disruptive changes, but also by unprecedented opportunities for those willing to adapt and learn continuously. By embracing transformation and cultivating relevant skills for the future economy, we can build a more dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable world for future generations. And possibly more satisfying in the daily exercise of professional skills.