The world of work is evolving at a rapid pace, and young people are entering a job market that is continuously shifting. In 2018, it was predicted that 85% of the jobs that will exist in 2030 hadn’t even been created yet. While 2030 is now just five years away, it's clear that the landscape is still transforming. In fact, as of 2024 10% of workers hired globally have job titles that didn’t exist in 2000, and this is only accelerating. According to the World Economic Forum’s ‘Future of Jobs Report 2025’, the next five years will bring even more significant shifts:
Technology-related roles are among the fastest-growing, making it difficult for educators and policymakers to design curricula that predict future job needs. So, how can we prepare young people for jobs that don’t even exist yet?
The solution: Focusing on transferable skills
While we may be unsure of the exact jobs of the future, we can prepare young people by equipping them with skills that can be applied across multiple careers and industries.
Among the most important transferable skills is problem-solving, with nearly 90% of employers stating that they seek evidence of this when hiring young people. In an increasingly complex world, the ability to develop creative solutions is vital, regardless of industry.
Key transferable skills that contribute to problem-solving include:
Systems thinking
Defined as “an approach to problem-solving that takes into account the overall system as well as its individual parts”, systems thinking is the ability to understand how different components interact—an increasingly vital skill in a world shaped by AI and automation. With 42% of employers globally considering systems thinking a core skill for their workplace, the demand spans industries and careers, highlighting the importance of developing this ability in young people.
Critical and analytical thinking
Analytical thinking remains the most in-demand core skill, with seven in ten companies expecting it to be essential by 2025. This skill, when paired with critical thinking, forms a powerful combination that enhances problem-solving abilities, allowing young people to navigate and evaluate complex information with clarity and precision. In a world where misinformation and rapid change are regularly encountered, developing these skills isn’t just beneficial, it’s vital for young people’s future success in careers.
Resilience
Having the ability to tackle situations and learn new technologies without fear of failure is increasingly important. After analytical thinking, resilience, flexibility, and agility are among the most sought-after abilities, with 67% of employers naming them as core workplace skills. Helping young people develop resilience allows them to confidently address problems, knowing they can adapt and recover from setbacks. In a world where the workforce is expected to reskill regularly, resilience and agility will be crucial skills in adapting to the jobs that don’t yet exist.
Communication skills
Effective collaboration and communication will be necessary in any future job, especially in a digital-first world. Currently, 28% of the global workforce works remotely at least part-time, rising to 63% in the UK. While remote work has benefits, more than one-fifth of remote workers report feeling isolated. Strengthening young people’s communication skills is necessary to ensure they can collaborate effectively in all work environments.
With the modern world rapidly changing, the future job market is unpredictable. However, one thing is clear: transferable skills like problem-solving, resilience and communication are essential. The NXplorers programme is designed to equip young people with these very skills, preparing them for careers that may not even exist yet. By equipping young people with these adaptable skills, we empower them to succeed in the careers that may not even exist yet. It’s crucial for educators, parents and policymakers to make transferable skill development a priority, ensuring the next generation can thrive in an ever-evolving world.
