Jobs Are Changing, Skills Are Evolving
Artificial intelligence, digital transformation, the climate crisis, and an aging population are reshaping the workforce. By 2030, 92 million jobs worldwide are expected to disappear, while 170 million new roles will emerge. In Türkiye alone, it's estimated that 44% of current skill sets will need to change. Fields such as agriculture, climate technologies, digital healthcare, home care systems, and age-friendly tech development will become increasingly important.
AI, digitalization, climate change, and demographic shifts are transforming both the labor market and education systems. So, what kind of future awaits the next generation? Which careers are on the rise, and which ones are on their way out? Yeditepe University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ece Ceylan Baba shared her insights on the transformation ahead. Careers that will grow in importance include AI engineering, data science, cybersecurity, energy systems engineering, sustainability consulting, and climate tech. In healthcare, demand is expected to rise for roles such as digital health solutions specialists, home care system developers, and age-friendly technology designers—driven by the needs of an aging population. The workforce of the future won’t rely solely on technical skills. Creativity, critical thinking, interdisciplinary perspectives, and ethical awareness will be just as important.
Are universities and the education system in Türkiye ready to equip students with the skills the AI era demands? According to Prof. Dr. Baba, the current system has yet to adopt a fully integrated approach. Updating curricula to match today’s tech realities, training faculty in digital pedagogy, and strengthening partnerships with industry will be essential steps forward..
Facing the Risk of Disruption
Prof. Dr. Ece Ceylan Baba noted that routine, repetitive jobs especially in fields like data entry, accounting, and customer service are at risk of being reshaped or phased out due to automation. However, she also emphasized that this shift is paving the way for entirely new roles. Positions such as software developer, AI ethics specialist, algorithm designer, and digital product manager are clear examples of this emerging landscape.
Prof. Dr. Baba underlined that young people should not focus solely on technical skills. Instead, they should also invest in uniquely human capabilities like creativity, critical thinking, communication, cultural awareness, emotional intelligence, and ethical decision-making. “The individuals who stand out in the future will not just be tech users. They will be those who shape technology with a sense of responsibility and ethics.”
A MAJOR TRANSFORMATION AHEAD
The Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum offers key insights into how the workforce is expected to evolve. The section based on surveys conducted in Türkiye through the TÜSİAD–Sabancı University Competitiveness Forum reveals that by 2030, workforce transformation will impact 22% of jobs. While 92 million roles are expected to disappear globally, 170 million new roles are anticipated to emerge—resulting in a net gain of 78 million jobs.
In Türkiye, 60% of companies believe that energy technologies will significantly reshape business models. Jobs like Robotics Engineers, Renewable Energy Engineers, and Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Specialists are among those projected to gain prominence in the coming years. Employers in Türkiye estimate that 44% of job skills will change by 2030. Skills such as artificial intelligence, big data, technological literacy, and cybersecurity are expected to grow the fastest.
Agriculture Set to Rise
According to the same report, the roles expected to see the greatest increase in demand by 2030 include:
- Agricultural workers
- Light truck and delivery drivers
- Software and app developers
- Construction-related workers
- Retail sales associates
Meanwhile, the jobs likely to decline in demand are:
- Cashiers and ticket clerks
- Administrative and executive assistants
- Cleaning staff
- Inventory and stock clerks
- Print and related trade workers