As we look ahead to the future of hiring, it’s clear that the demand for critical skills is evolving rapidly. Contingent workforce program owners and hiring managers must prepare for significant shifts in the labor market over the next decade. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, 170 million new jobs will be created by 2030, and 39% of employers anticipate a meaningful transformation in the skills required for success. Developing a proactive talent strategy now will be crucial for staying ahead in the competition for top talent.

Key Industries Poised for Growth

Frontline roles such as farmworkers, delivery drivers and construction workers are poised to see the largest job growth in absolute terms by 2030, according to the WEF. Significant increases are also projected for care jobs and education roles, with demographic trends driving growth in demand across essential sectors.

“Meanwhile, advances in AI, robotics and energy systems — notably in renewable energy and environmental engineering — are expected to increase demand for specialist roles in these fields,” the report states. “Meanwhile, roles such as cashiers and administrative assistants remain among the fastest declining but are now joined by roles including graphic designers as generative AI rapidly reshapes the labor market.”

Here are sectors worth watching.

Agricultural workers and laborers. For companies reliant on agricultural workers or laborers, significant growth is expected. The number is projected to increase by 34 million by 2030, fueled by green initiatives, digital accessibility and the cost of living. Domestic immigration policies may also influence labor availability, making workforce planning more critical than ever.

Logistics and delivery services. E-commerce and global supply chains continue to expand, driving demand for logistics and delivery personnel. Light truck and delivery drivers rank among the fastest-growing job categories. Companies involved in transportation, warehousing or last-mile delivery technology should prepare for intensified competition when seeking to secure qualified workers.

Information technology and software development. The world’s appetite for IT talent remains insatiable, making software development one of the most promising career paths and challenging sectors for recruitment. Key areas of growth include fintech engineering, big data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning. With technology evolving at an unprecedented pace, the need for network security and cybersecurity specialists is also surging. Organizations must keep their recruitment pipelines strong to attract top-tier tech talent.

Healthcare and social services. Aging populations and increasing healthcare demands are straining medical services worldwide. Over the next five years, nursing professionals, personal care aides, social workers and counseling professionals will see significant growth. Addressing talent shortages in these fields will require innovative workforce solutions, including upskilling programs and policy reforms.

Construction, sales and education. Other high-growth fields include construction, sales and education. Skilled trade positions, such as electricians and general contractors, will be in demand as infrastructure projects expand. Meanwhile, businesses will continue to seek strong salespeople to drive revenue. Higher education and secondary teaching roles are also set to grow, with an emphasis on STEM subjects and technical training programs.

The Future of Work: Skills That Matter

Beyond specific job roles, the future workforce will require a blend of technical expertise and soft skills. The ability to adapt, innovate and lead will be just as crucial as technical proficiency. Some of the most sought-after skills include:

• Technical expertise: AI, big data, cloud computing, cybersecurity and software development.
• Human-centric skills: Leadership, social influence, talent management and emotional intelligence.
• Problem-solving and creativity: Analytical thinking, creativity, adaptability and resilience.
• Sustainability and stewardship: Environmental awareness and corporate responsibility, which will play a larger role in hiring decisions.

Investing in Upskilling and Reskilling

Organizations that invest in their workforce through training initiatives will be better positioned to attract, retain and develop top talent. Companies of all sizes now recognize the need for continuous learning to stay competitive. Upskilling and reskilling programs will be essential to bridge the talent gap and ensure employees remain agile in a fast-changing job market.

The future of work is dynamic, and businesses must take a proactive approach to workforce planning. Organizations can secure the right skills at the right time by anticipating industry trends and aligning talent strategies with emerging demands. Whether in technology, healthcare, logistics or education, the key to success will be a combination of strategic hiring, continuous learning and a deep understanding of evolving workforce needs.