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Creative thinking, analytical thinking, and artificial intelligence (AI) and big data will be the in-demand skills globally by 2027, according to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2023 report.
Those first two cognitive skills also topped the list of the current, most important skills for workers and businesses.
The current top 10 skills demanded by business
More companies see analytical thinking as a core skill than any other. Being analytical was in the core skills of an average of 9.1% of companies. Creative thinking is second. These skills are ahead of three self-efficacy skills: resilience, flexibility and agility; motivation and self-awareness; and curiosity and lifelong learning.
Businesses and organisations are also looking for people with leadership and social influence skills.
The top 10 skills on the rise
Creative thinking and analytical thinking also top the list of skills that companies and workers see as important for the future. The demand for these skills is expected to grow by 73% and 72% respectively.
New skills making the future list include AI and big data, technological literacy, systems thinking, service orientation and customer service. They replace empathy and active listening, dependability and attention to detail and quality control. Motivation and self-awareness, as well as resilience, flexibility and agility, have moved down the list but are still important. While leadership and social influence do not make the future Top 10 list, the more specific leadership skill of talent management does.
The importance of quality training to deliver the skills of the future
The report says that, between now and 2027, businesses predict disruption to 44% of workers’ core skills. This is due to technology moving faster than companies’ ability to design and scale up their training programs. It concludes that six in 10 workers will require training before 2027, but only half of workers are seen to have access to adequate training opportunities.
Forsythes Training CEO Chad White said the future skills identified in the report align with its analysis of demand by businesses and organisations in NSW and other parts of Australia, including regional areas. Chad said that in the future jobs market, it will pay to have skills that are in demand.
He said registered training organisations play a key role in minimising skills disruption.
“Workers and employers wanting to stay at or ahead of business or individual performance will need to place greater focus on training in technology and systems skills, customer service as well as the performance management, attraction and retention aspects of leadership,” Chad said.
“Organisations should not overlook continuing to invest in leadership skills training. The report shows that leadership training is a higher priority for certain sectors including aerospace, infrastructure, supply chain and transportation, and advanced manufacturing. There is evidence that Australia’s leadership skills lag those of some countries, including trading partners.”
“The report shows that companies understand the need to upskill and reskill their workforce. More than 80% plan to invest in both formal and on the job training.”
What is the role and expertise of the World Economic Forum?
The World Economic Forum is the international, not-for-profit organisation for public-private cooperation. It connects political, business, academic, civil society and other leaders to build initiatives for a better world.
Why Forsythes Training for your future skills development?
Chad said Forsythes Training has the systems, trainers and assessors to help businesses to design and deliver future skills training. He said his team can help businesses do this more quickly than if they do it themselves.
“Our broad range of courses cover almost all the report’s current and future skills – including leadership and emotional intelligence, training and assessment education TAE40122, computing and technology, ICAM, resilience and customer service. Analytical, creative and systems thinking skills are developed in all Forsythes Training courses and programs.
“Forsythes Training is highly experienced in designing and developing training programs to embed skills for future success.”
Forsythes Training is a Registered Training Organisation with:
- more than 30 years designing and delivering training
- customised and contextualised training to enhance learning outcomes as well as business and organisational outcomes
- flexible delivery options so students can study their way – face to face, virtual classroom, and e-learning as well as weekend training
- a large number of qualified trainers with significant real world experience, to ensure quality, flexibilty in delivering training, and meeting training deadlines
- directors who work in the business
- additional student support including an app, portal, student support days with an experienced trainer and other phone and email support during business hours.
More information about future skills planning for businesses
Talk to our training experts today about your plans for developing and enhancing the skills you need for the future.
