The way we work in the UK has changed hugely over the past 50 years. Gone are the coal mines, the shipyards, factories and heavy industry. In recent years, the internet has revolutionised the way we shop, leading to the demise of many huge retail brands like Woolworths, BHS or ToysRUs. Many more jobs are being automated. It’s all very scary if you’re thinking about a career. So how do you know your job is still going to exist in ten years? Unfortunately, we don’t have a crystal ball. Experts do reckon that there are some so-called futureproof jobs however. These are the sorts of jobs which will always be around, or which could even see increased demand in the future.
Get Creative for Futureproof Jobs
One of the main industry sectors which is expected to thrive in the coming decades is anything connected with creativity. We might be using machines to make our clothes or furniture, but we’ll still need someone to design them. Therefore, people involved in the creative side of marketing and advertising will also still be in demand. Similarly, there will be demand for artists, architects, writers or painters. Creativity is one thing that machines and computers are not doing well at the moment. Creativity is complex and not easily programmable either.
Healthcare
Worldwide, improving standards of health and medical knowledge means we’re all living longer. The demand for nurses, doctors, carers and physiotherapists will boom in the near future. We might be able to train a machine to interpret X-rays or analyse blood tests, but we still want the human caring touch. There’s a wide range of possible careers in healthcare, and not all require a university degree. Look on the NHS website for a full run-down of possibilities. You’ll need basic standards of English and Maths and a caring personality for all roles. You’ll also have to apply for a DBS check for most healthcare based roles.
Cybersecurit y
Defending computer systems from hackers is becoming more important year on year. It’s not just central government which needs technical experts. Cyber-attacks on companies are becoming increasingly frequent. All organisations need to protect their information and keep their customers safe too. People working in cybersecurity need strong technical skills in order to keep one step ahead of the criminals. One of the main benefits of this type of job is that it can be done remotely; perfect for anyone who wants to work from home.
Chefs and Catering
This perhaps falls into the category of creative occupation. Some aspects of cooking can be automated, but machines can’t taste recipes, develop new food products and come up with pretty food presentation. People also enjoy the social aspect of going out, knowing that there’s a skilled chef in the kitchen cooking their meal to perfection. This is unlikely to change in the near future. If you’re interested in this sort of career you’ll need a passion for food, attention to detail and a real interest in learning new skills and techniques.