In today’s rapidly evolving world, the nature of jobs is undergoing significant changes. Technological advancements, demographic shifts, and the green transition are reshaping the global labor market(1). According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, these macro trends are expected to drive the transformation of the labor market, creating and displacing jobs.
Global Changes Impacting Job Nature
Technological change is the most impactful trend, driving both the creation and displacement of jobs. Automation, artificial intelligence, and robotics are revolutionizing industries, leading to the emergence of new roles while rendering some traditional jobs obsolete1. For instance, jobs in delivery services, construction, sales, and food services are expected to grow, while roles in certain manufacturing sectors may decline.
The green transition is another significant trend, promoting the growth of jobs in renewable energy, environmental engineering, and sustainable agriculture. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, the demand for professionals with skills in these areas is increasing1.
Demographic shifts, such as aging populations in higher-income economies and expanding working-age populations in lower-income economies, are also influencing job markets. This shift is driving demand for care and education professionals, as well as roles in technology and innovation1.
The Impact on Jobs
The Future of Jobs Report 2025 projects that nearly 170 million new jobs will emerge by 2030, driven by technological changes and the green transition. However, 92 million jobs may disappear over the next five years due to automation and other factors1. This means that the skills required for future jobs are rapidly evolving, and traditional education systems may not be adequately preparing students for these changes.
The Indian Schooling System and STEM Education
In India, the current schooling system faces challenges in preparing children for the future job market. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in equipping students with the skills needed for the 21st century2. However, there is still a gap between the skills taught in schools and the skills required in the evolving job market.
Why STEM Education is Crucial
STEM education fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. It encourages students to apply concepts in real-time situations, promoting cross-disciplinary learning and skill development4. By integrating STEM subjects from an early age, students can develop a strong foundation in these areas, preparing them for future careers in technology, engineering, and other STEM fields.
The Importance of 10 Hours per Month
To bridge the gap between traditional education and the skills required for future jobs, it is essential for children to dedicate at least 10 hours per month to STEM activities. This can include participating in robotics workshops, science experiments, coding boot camps, and other hands-on learning experiences2. These activities not only enhance students’ understanding of STEM subjects but also develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Supporting Facts
The World Economic Forum highlights the importance of STEM education in preparing students for the future job market. The NEP 2020 also emphasizes the need for experiential learning and the integration of STEM subjects from an early age2. By dedicating time to STEM activities, children can develop the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Reference:
https://www.cry.org/blog/importance-of-stem-education-for-children-in-india/?form=MG0AV3