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Published 11 Jul 2018

5 ‘Future Proof’ Careers in the UK (Updated)

by Claudia Reiners

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In this rapidly evolving employment landscape, some of the most in-demand occupations of 2018 didn’t exist as little as five years ago.

This progression is only set to increase in upcoming years, which is why it is essential for both businesses and individuals to anticipate the necessary future skill sets that will help them to thrive in an ever-changing working environment; successfully adapting to these future careers.

This widespread innovation and automation is not something we should view as a disruption. Rather, we should embrace the push into careers that are focused around knowledge and creation. Technology will continue to create more exciting opportunities for the future workforce, leading us to bigger and better things. For those industry areas that choose to embrace these new changes, employees are set to experience new job opportunities, as companies begin to employ more high-tech processes and virtual collaboration.

This article will provide you with all of the information needed to ‘future-proof’ your career. From valuable skills to careers that are predicted to thrive with these technological changes, you’ll be future ready in no time!

Future Skills

While no one can predict what the future will look like for jobs in the UK; we can definitely pinpoint the skills that will be the most in demand in the workplace based on current trends. Below are five skills predicted to become valuable to careers in the years to come.


  • Critical Thinking and Complex Problem-Solving

    Although it is anticipated that we will become increasingly reliant on technology in the workplace (even more than we are now!) and automation may take over several jobs that currently exist; there is one thing that technology is not close to being sophisticated enough to do just yet: critical thinking. We are not ready to trust computers to do that much heavy lifting for us, which is why your future career will require you to have exceptional critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills. A majority of jobs will require you to be always analysing a variety of situations, deliberate solutions depending on and influenced by these situations and employ logic and reasoning to make decisions and problem solve.

  • Creativity

    Again, another aspect that robots have simply not mastered yet is the art of creativity. The ability to create original content will be one that is highly sought after in the future, so the more creative you are, the less likely your job will be overrun by technology and digital advancements.

  • STEM

    With the rise in demand for careers in science, technology, engineering and maths, these industry areas are predicted to remain very popular in the future. STEM careers highlight the importance of skills in technology – a reoccurring theme in this article – as these advanced skills are deemed necessary to keep up in this progressive world.

  • Interpersonal Skills

    A self-explanatory skill – yet just as important as the others – people skills are an essential factor within a workplace. Interpersonal skills are highly valued by employers at present and there are no signs of this skill losing its worth in future careers. To succeed in the future job market, it is essential that you know how to work effectively with people. Some traits that fall under this overarching skill are the ability to communicate well (both verbal and non-verbal), team-work and collaboration, as well as more emotion-based traits such as empathy.

  • New(er) Technology

    It always pays to be up-to-date with new and emerging technologies that continue to arise within the digital scope. Your familiarity with platforms such as social media, and skills such as a sound understanding of analytics and cloud-based programs will continue to put you one step ahead of those who are still stuck in the days where cassettes and VCRs were the latest evolutionary products.


‘Technological growth, and the accompanying changes in business models,
make the continuous adaptation of skill sets absolutely
fundamental for successful participation in the labour market.’

–’The Future of Work: Jobs and Skills in 2030′ Report

5 Jobs Of the Future


Nursing Practitioners

Qualification: Nursing Assistant Certificate

Nursing Practitioners are registered nurses that treat and diagnose disease and illnesses, as well as prescribing medication. They provide nursing care to patients in environments such as hospitals, aged care and other health care facilities.

Top 5 Skills

Active Listening
82% important
Social Perceptiveness
82% important
Service Orientation
80% important
Speaking
80% important
Coordination
78% important

£25,0

is the average annual salary for a
Nursing Practitioner


0%

Projected growth by 2026



The health and social care industry is anticipating a substantial increase in the number of jobs in this sector, as a result of an aging population, social trends and opportunities that will arise due to medical research and advancement.

Technological innovations within this sector are expected to alter the profile of many jobs, meaning that these jobs will remain in demand, however new skill sets will have to be adopted by new and existing workers in order to keep up with the industry’s changing landscape.


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Software and Systems Developers

Qualification: MCSE Certification Bundle With 4 Exams: Productivity Software and Systems Developers perform development tasks such as program design and assessment. This IT based role can also involve responsibilities such as undertaking maintenance, checking software and looking after customer support for this software and its functioning systems.


Top 5 Skills

Programming
80% important
Systems Analysis
78% important
Systems Evaluation
78% important
Judgement and Decision Making
75% important
Complex Problem Solving
72% important

£0,700

Average annual salary for a
Software and Systems Developer


0%

Projected growth by 2026

Changes in technology are anticipated to drive productivity and the growth of new business models in the Creative and Digital Sector. This growth in virtual collaboration and outsourcing, combined with the growing need for flexible project management will also contribute to the work environment within this industry sector.

Combined with the predicted progression in productivity that comes hand in hand with the application of ICT tools, more and more organisations will look to include digital platforms as an integral part of their innovation practices.


Browse IT Courses

Accountants

Qualification: Combined Payroll Theory and Sage Payroll Course

Accountants are responsible for offering services in financial reporting, taxation and accounting systems, along with preparing plans, putting budgets in place and cost management for both companies and individuals. Accountants may also be in charge of filing taxes for their organisation and reviewing previous reports that assist in the generation of income forecasts.


Top 5 Skills

Economic and Accounting
90% important
Mathematics
81% important
English Language
72% important
Computers and Electronics
71% important
Clerical
71% important

£28,0

is the average annual salary for an
Accountant


0%

Projected growth by 2026

Advances in the professional and businesses services sector are expected to be connected with globalisation and internationally traded services, the implementation of technological innovation and meeting the demands of new or increased social needs, i.e. aging population.

A key influencer in this sector is predicted to be the automation of professional jobs and the impact of ICT using smart algorithms. As a result of this constant changing structure and strategies of businesses in this sector, the industries that fall under the professional and businesses services umbrella are anticipated to become increasingly flexible, diverse and global.


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Computer and Information Systems Managers

Qualification: MCSE Certification Bundle With 4 Exams: Data Management and Analytics

Computer and Information Systems Managers are responsible for the maintenance, support, design and modifications that ensure that networks, software and other virtual environment infrastructures are operative and are up to date. They are also in charge of delegating tasks to developers and providing training to staff.


Top 5 Skills

Critical Thinking
82% important
Active Listening
80% important
Reading Comprehension
80% important
Judgement and Decision Making
78% important
Monitoring
78% important

£35,0

is the average annual salary for a
Computer and Information Systems Manager


0%

Projected growth by 2026

As mentioned above in the future outlook for Software and Systems Developers, the progression of technology is predicted to increase the growth of this sector and in turn the requirement for more workers.


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Hospitality Managers

Qualification: Hospitality Management Advanced Certificate The hospitality industry typically covers services found in hotels, restaurants and cafes. Hospitality Managers will all find customer service at the heart of their duties, with efficient and professional service to customers of high importance to the industry. Generally, a Hospitality Manager will supervise and support all customer-facing employees, and may also be responsible for training new staff. Bookkeeping responsibilities may also fall under a Hospitality Manager’s duties.


Top 5 Skills

Administration and Management
87% important
Customer and Personal Service
79% important
Personnel and Human Resources
75% important
English Language
80% important
Mathematics
71% important

£24,0

is the average annual salary for a
Hospitality Manager


0%

Projected growth by 2026

As Hospitality and Tourism is one of the UK’s most valuable export industries, it is anticipated that this sector will be another that will thrive in upcoming years. To use 2018 as an example, it is forecasted that overseas visits to the UK are expected to overthrow the 40 million mark for the first time; up 4.4% on 2017, with tourists also expected to spend 6.8% more than the previous year. This data, combined with previous growth in this sector suggests that there will be a steady progression in the future.

The Hospitality and Tourism industry is said to benefit from the growth of new technology, with digital advancements paving the way for workers to be free from demanding tasks and with more time to focus on customers and guests. Hospitality and Tourism processes can indeed be enhanced by technology, but not replaced, as human interaction plays an integral role in customer service – the foundation of this sector.


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As almost every job becomes increasingly technology-related, along with the influence of associated transformations in business models, the continuous adjustment of skills is vital. More so than ever, those who are not keen or able to acclimatise to these changes will be left behind.

Stay ahead of the curve and ‘future proof’ your career today.


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Claudia Reiners

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