Global organizations have developed frameworks outlining the skills expected to be in demand in the future. Both the OECD Learning Compass 2030 and the UNICEF Global Framework on Transferable Skills emphasize higher-level cognitive, social, and emotional learning skills crucial for thriving in the future.

Recently, McKinsey & Company has published the "The Skills Revolution and the Future of Learning and Earning" study, revealing the educational trends. As companies across sectors adopt new technologies, including automation and artificial intelligence (AI), the workforce must continually adapt. Both private and public-sector leaders play a crucial role in preparing the workforce for the upcoming skills revolution.

We at Lanes have summarized the key findings to assist L&D teams in shaping their future strategies.

McKinsey’s analysis predicts a trend of career changes, with workers acquiring new knowledge and skills to meet evolving labor market needs. The study indicates that 50% of work activities can be automated, leading to every 16th worker changing their profession by 2030.

A comprehensive study of 2,000 work activities across 46 countries identifies the crucial skills for the future with the increasing demand: technological skills, social and emotional skills, and higher-level cognitive skills.

Technological Skills: predicted to experience the strongest growth in demand by 2030 from 11% to 17% of hours worked even in non-tech occupations, encompassing advanced IT skills, programming, and basic digital skills.

Social and Emotional Skills: increasingly important in a digitalized world, with demand expected to rise from 18% to 22% of hours worked by 2030, including skills like leadership and managing others.

Higher-Level Cognitive Skills: the shift in demand from basic to higher-level cognitive skills, such as creativity and critical thinking, is highlighted.

Physical and Manual Skills: the demand will decrease but remain the largest category at 25% of hours worked.

McKinsey suggests a shift in employee development strategy, focusing on skills rather than experience and qualifications. Organizations are encouraged to become "lighthouses" for skills development, providing clear paths for professional development through in-house and outsourced learning platforms.

Skills-based matching expands the talent pool, allowing faster responses to new demands. McKinsey advocates for a new mindset, turning companies into "talent incubators" that support employees taking on different roles and prioritize training and development.

By 2030, numerous jobs will transform with technological advancements, and some will cease to exist. The key is to formulate a robust L&D strategy and opt for up-to-date training and skill development tools to face the future fully prepared.

For those seeking to stay on the cutting edge of workforce development, Lanes' Career Navigator is recommended — an LMS-compatible tool for advancing internal talent through automated career paths. Explore it at https://bit.ly/3RCT3px

Sources:

"The Skills Revolution and the Future of Learning and Earning" study by McKinsey & Company;

The OECD Learning Compass 2030;

The UNICEF Global Framework on Transferable Skills.