92 million jobs could disappear in five years, according to the World Economic Forum

Some 92 million jobs would be displaced in the next five years by jobs new technology-related and front-line jobs, according to a recent report on the future of employment in the World Economic Forum (WEF).

In contrast, By 2030, it is estimated that 170 million job opportunities will be createdfor which, according to the WEF, it is necessary to improve the skills of active employees and promote academic offers worldwide to prepare students in the skills of the not-so-distant future.

According to the analysis carried out by the WEF, the accelerated change in labor demand and supply at a global level has been highly influenced by technological, environmental, demographic and economic transformations.

“Trends like AI (artificial intelligence“Generative and rapid technological changes are transforming sectors and labor markets, and this creates unprecedented opportunities, but also serious risks,” says Till Leopold, responsible for Work, Wages and Job Creation at the WEF.

“It is time for businesses and governments to work together, invest in skills and create a resilient and equal global workforce,” he continued.

Although growth is expected in professions directly related to technology such as AI, big data and cybersecurity, the report revealed that there are other frontline professions that will have strong growth, such as agricultural workers, van drivers and nursing professionals, the latter due to the aging of the population.

While among the jobs that are leaving are establishment cashiers, secretaries and janitors.

The 10 professions with the highest and lowest performance. (Supplied)

Viviane Fortuño, president of CTI Consulting Group in Puerto Rico, highlighted to El Nuevo Día that labor transformation is not only about new professions, but also about the digitalization and technological modernization of many existing traditional professions.

“People who are about to choose their first career or make a change of profession must keep in mind that demand depends largely on the validity, branches of specialization and speed of updating of their work activity,” indicated the specialist in human resources.

Fortuño explained that in Puerto Rico the professions that are having the greatest demand are pediatricians, materials planning, customer service agent, engineers and architects, retail store manager and automotive mechanic.

Lack of trained personnel

The report, which uses data from more than 1,000 companies, notes that there is a gap between talent preparation and the market’s need for specialized skills.

63% of employers mentioned that the lack of personnel trained in the skills of the future is their main obstacle and it was estimated that about 40% of the skills required to perform jobs will have to change by 2030.

Skills that will be most in demand in the next five years.
Skills that will be most in demand in the next five years. (Supplied)

Thus, if the global workforce were represented by a group of 100 people, 59 would need to retrain their skills in five years. However, of those professions 11 would probably not benefit, which translates to more than 120 million workers at risk of dismissal in the medium term.

Now, 77% of the employers surveyed indicated they plan to provide the tools to improve workers’ capabilities. However, 41% of employers plan to reduce their workforce as a result of automating certain tasks through artificial intelligence.

“Top priorities include closing the skills gap, investing in upskilling and reskilling initiatives, and creating accessible pathways to fast-growing jobs and in-demand skills,” reads the World Economic Forum report. .