Blog

The shape of things to come

25 Jul 2025

By Julie Graham, Ingeus CEO of Employment Services.

Much of our employability work here at Ingeus centres on assessing current labour market needs. We look at what opportunities exist with local employers and support talented people actively looking for work to fill those vacancies. That’s not to say however that we’re shortsighted – while none of us can see into the future, some long-term employment trends are clearly visible.  

So, as many predict a technological takeover of traditional roles, where does science fiction meet employment fact? 

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 estimates that 170 million new jobs will be created this decade. Technological developments, the move to net zero, and changing demographics in society will shape what’s ahead. It predicts 92 million roles will be displaced as a result, while still generating a net employment increase of 78 million jobs.  

In-demand roles dominating the list include farm and food processing workers, green-transition specialists, software developers, and delivery drivers. A little more surprisingly, construction workers and shop assistants sit in the top five. Care and wellbeing sector roles are also expected to be widely available over the next five years. 
Interestingly though, the report cites well over a hundred million jobs will continue – in a rapidly changing and increasingly unpredictable world. As farmers fly drones over their crops, plumbers scrap boilers and install heat pumps, and mechanics use software diagnostics to fix our electric vehicles, that point to me is key.  
The concept of a job for life is as outdated now as the paper memos that used to land in my then-Inbox (a plastic tray on my desk). Workplace change is constant and, above all in my opinion, workers need soft skills employers can utilise and hone. Communication and teamworking skills, creative thinking, adaptability, and flexibility are much sought after by the employers Ingeus works with. In essence, they’re looking for people with the right attitudes that job-specific skills can be layered on top of.  
 
That said, I fully concur that technology will only grow in importance and that no matter what your role, you’ll be expected to use and record data and interact electronically. I would therefore add digital skills to an employer’s likely wish-list.  
 
At Ingeus, we’re combining those thoughts in a whole host of ways. Using digital platforms and AI functionality, we give participants the tools to direct their own job search. From intelligent CV checkers, virtual interview technology, and online resources, we’re guiding people to not just use tech, but to unlock their mindset, to self-seek, adapt and learn new things.  
 
It’s not just workers of course who need to be future proofed. Employers too need to adapt to emerging trends. Being flexible in job design will increase the volume of people able to take them. Supporting the wellbeing of existing staff will reduce the need to find replacements. While investing in reskilling and upskilling to keep their workforce ahead of the curve is essential – an important one for me as a devotee of continuous learning.