Hot Jobs In The Future

I often get asked about what I am seeing in the job market, and the next question usually asked is around what are the hottest industries where it would be wise to enter.  I often give the advice that people should focus on industries where their passion lies, as oppose to what industry is hot.  It is possible to strategically position yourself in an industry of growth, but it is more likely that success lies in trying to direct the next generation into industries likely to experience growth. 

Recently there was a report that was written by researchers at the Brookfield Institute for Innovation + Entrepreneurship, which is a non-partisan policy institute.  Their mandate is to help Canadian policy-makers navigate the growth of Canada's innovation economy.

The Brookfield Institute shared a few areas where they feel that there is growth potential.  Incidentally, one of those areas is meeting the demand for recruiting specific skill sets for many changing industry environments.  That bodes well for this author!

1. Creativity is expected

Employers might soon find that creativity could be "the most in-demand skill sought by employers across all industries."

There is a belief that companies who employ creative people and encourage creativity, regardless of that employee’s position within the company, will give those firms a better chance to win in environments that are only getting more creative, demanding and competitive.

2. Effects from environmental disasters

Natural disasters have increased in frequency and that trend is expected to continue into markets that have not been traditional affected.  Recruitment needs in the form of insurance and disaster response are just two of the areas.  There will likely be demand for people in disaster response-related fields.

Labour markets in some regions may feel the impact, if Canadians decide to migrate to regions less affected by flooding and wildfires. In contrast, the report says there could be new opportunities for companies who provide innovative products and services for flood and wildfire monitoring and disaster recovery. 

3. Digital detoxification

Many are finding that as a society, we have all gone too far in allowing technology to penetrate all aspects of our work and family life which affects our physical and mental health as well as well as affecting work/life balance.  There is a belief that there will be a proliferation of products and services that will help people manage the downside of our hyperconnected world.

Apps that help individuals manage digital distractions as well as new daily technology free escapes and retreats are all likely to gain prominence in a world that is starting to embrace the health and wellness sector.

4. The coming age of 3D printing

The potential for this technology to further disrupt supply chains and make manufacturing less reliant on human labour will be revolutionary, especially for people living in remote areas.

Companies on the forefront of 3D printing will need staff, as will those that provide printers, plans and filaments which are all the materials used in 3D printing.

5. Work-life integration

Finding ways to balance work and life will continue.   Work may no longer be defined by specific hours and days, and the two could instead become deeply intertwined.

With more employees working from home or on non-traditional schedules, there could be growth in demand for certain products and services, including productivity apps, flexible child care and on-demand home delivery.  

6. Climate refugees

Climate change could shift the makeup of Canada's refugee population.  Those fleeing conflict zones to those displaced from areas made uninhabitable by climate change.  Canada may see an influx of refugees from places made inhabitable by climate change.

7. Continued learning

The pace of technological change will allow the lines to become blurred when it comes to traditional retirement age.  Continued learning will be more readily available and will be very cost effective due to easy accessibility. 

Opportunities could continue to increase in the already-burgeoning field of on-demand learning platforms.

Happy Easter to everyone!

Farewell,

Mike