Future-proof your career: 2025’s top jobs, sectors and skills
Want to get ahead with your career? Explore our guide to the fastest-growing jobs, sectors and skills in 2025 and beyond.
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From the AI boom to the 2024 Budget, employees in 2025 will need to be more strategic than they’ve ever been to get, and stay ahead, in their respective industries. According to a report by Telegraph Money, job vacancies in 2024 have fallen to pre-pandemic levels, by 13.5% to be specific, the lowest since March-May 2021.
As the 2024 Budget means higher operating costs for businesses, more employers are cutting back on hiring, but where does this leave an employee in 2025? Keep reading to learn what skills, sectors and jobs you should focus on to put your career at an advantage.
2025’s top sectors
Thinking of changing industries? These are some of the fastest-growing industries in 2025.
Tech
With the growth of generative AI (thanks in part to the launch of ChatGPT) in the workplace in 2024, the increasing need for cybersecurity professionals and general digital literacy, tech continues to be one of 2025’s top sectors according to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Future of Jobs 2025 report. An estimated 60% of employers expect that increasing digital access will transform their businesses by 2030. From AI, robotics and automation to information storage and distribution, it’s expected that these trends will have an impact on the sector, with the space for tech professionals continuing to grow in the coming years.
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University of Leeds How to Get Into AIIT & Computer Science
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Nottingham Trent University How to Build Leadership ResilienceBusiness & Management,Psychology & Mental Health
Healthcare
It comes as no surprise that healthcare is one of the top sectors of 2025. As the aging population grows, so does the need for qualified healthcare professionals. According to LinkedIn data, carers (home health aides) are one of the fastest-growing roles, and it’s expected that care economy jobs, such as nursing professionals, counselling professionals and social workers will grow significantly over the next five years.
Construction
With the government’s pledge to build 1.5 million homes by 2029, it’s expected that the construction industry will see significant job growth. Hybrid working, more funding for the Affordable Homes Programme for 2025/26 and growth in the retail sector will all contribute to more construction and civil engineering jobs in the next few years.
Education
The e-learning market is projected to grow significantly, increasing from $426.33 billion in 2024 to $1070.42 billion by 2032 and it’s been reported that the global education market will reach $10 trillion by 2030. An ever-growing workforce and working-age population is fuelling growth in the education sector, with roles for secondary and higher education teachers being predicted to be among the biggest job creators in the next five years, according to WEF.
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2025’s top jobs
Ready for a new career? Check out these top jobs.
AI and machine learning engineers
According to LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise 2025, the role of artificial intelligence engineer takes the top spot in terms of fastest-growing roles in the UK. Thanks to the growing use of AI, more employers are looking for experts that can develop AI models and algorithms for predictive modelling and decision-making.
Control systems engineer
Technological change continues to drive demand for roles in tech, with control systems engineers as one the most in-demand in 2025, according to both LinkedIn and WEF. The role, which sees professionals engineer automated systems which are essential to manufacturing or process operations, is expected to grow over the next five years.
Software developers
It likely comes as no surprise that software developers are one of the top jobs of 2025, as the profession has been steadily growing over the last decade. Despite advances in artificial intelligence, experts who can design, create and maintain software are still very much needed.
Environmental officer
As a result of the growing green skills gap, “green jobs” have seen a boost in demand in 2025. It’s expected that this will increase as more employers put more focus on becoming climate-positive, with roles such as environmental officer, leading the charge in monitoring regulations and ensuring environmental compliance.
Renewable energy engineers
With the government’s goal to meet its net zero target by 2050 and its recent investment in renewable energy firms, there’s never been a better time to look into renewable energy engineering. As experts who look at ways to reduce environmental impact by researching and developing new technologies, they will play a crucial part in not only reaching net zero but making cleaner energy the norm.
Building and civil engineering technicians
Frontline jobs have also seen an increase in 2025 with roles such as building and civil engineering technicians on the rise. Offering technical support on construction projects and building works, these specialist roles will become even more essential in the coming years.
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2025’s top skills
With the shifting skill needs, reskilling and upskilling has never been more crucial for today’s workforce. More and more businesses and organisations are looking to fill their skills gaps and employees will put themselves at an advantage by developing those in-demand skills.
Technical skills
Without a doubt, technical skills, namely, AI, data and cybersecurity skills are some of the most sought-after and fastest-growing skills in 2025. AI expertise is a standout skill with roughly two-thirds of employers planning to hire someone with specific AI skills. As more businesses seek to leverage the use of AI tools, work management platforms and ramp up security, these skills will become increasingly essential in the workplace.
Green skills
Green skills are also at the forefront of today’s top skills. Nearly half of employers surveyed for the Future of Jobs report anticipate that investing in reducing carbon emissions will be a key business goal. Already the number of job posts that require at least one green skill has risen by 22% between 2022-2023, and it’s expected that this number will only continue to grow.
Analytical thinking
Analytical thinking is one of the in-demand skills of 2025, and it’s clear to see why. In a data-driven world, being able to take a methodical approach to problem-solving in the workplace will not only help when processing complex information, but will also prove invaluable when tough decisions need to be made.
Creative thinking
Likewise, being able to think creatively is essential for businesses and employees that want to stand out. Whether dealing with limited resources, crowded markets or differing opinions from senior leadership, being able to think of new and innovative solutions has the potential to transform your career.
Resilience, flexibility and agility
Complex challenges, shifting approaches to work, new technologies and skill demands all require: resilience, flexibility and agility. Being able to quickly shift gears, tackle difficult situations and adapt to changes will set employees up for success in fast-paced work environments, because they understand better than anyone that the only constant really is change.
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Critical thinking and problem-solving
Problem solving and critical thinking skills are key skills for businesses in 2025. From analysing, evaluating and assessing information to coming up with sound solutions and making informed decisions, a critical approach to problem solving will help identify the best course of action. Plus, there’s also the added benefit that these skills, like all other soft skills mentioned, are AI-proof, and therefore, future-proof.
Digital literacy
Understanding of digital media will go a long way in today’s data-driven society. Digital literacy is a core skill which goes beyond being able to use LinkedIn and Instagram. From productivity tools like Notion and project management platforms such as Asana and Monday to even messaging platforms like Slack, the number of digital tools used day-to-day in the workplace has never been higher (and that’s before we get to GenAI tools). Being able to continually develop the skills you need to implement these tools into your work week is essential in 2025.
Leadership
Communication, delegation, decision-making, team building, stakeholder management and conflict resolution are just some of the leadership skills needed to thrive at work. Leadership skills have never been more important, and not just with senior members of the team. Everyone could benefit from thinking like a leader. Being able to lead projects, think strategically and build a rapport with different teams are all critical not only at work but also for personal growth.
Take your career further with FutureLearn
What do 2025’s in-demand jobs and skills mean for your career? Boost your learning and development with thousands of expert-led online short courses, microcredentials and degrees. From machine learning to leadership training, learn what you need, when you need it, no matter your career path or goal.
- Practical Machine Learning for AI: Foundational Skills and Experiments by Cardiff University
- Experimental Design for Machine Learning by The University of Nottingham
- Advanced and Applied AI on Microsoft Azure by CloudSwyft
- Designing Human-Centred AI Products and Services by Hanyang University
- AI Ethics, Law, and Policy by National Tsing Hua University (NTHU)
- MSc Artificial Intelligence by the University of Huddersfield
- Renewable Energy Microgrid: Integrating Green Hydrogen by Deakin University
- Renewable Energy: Achieving Sustainability through Bioenergy by the University of Leeds
- Systems Thinking for Sustainability: Complex Systems Analysis by Except Integrated Sustainability
- Introduction to FinTech and Financial Innovation by Nottingham Business School
- Decentralised Finance: Blockchain, Ethereum, and The Future of Banking by RMIT University
- Professional Resilience: Building Skills to Thrive at Work by Deakin University
- Wellbeing and Resilience at Work by the University of Leeds & The Institute of Coding
- Leadership Styles: How to Find your Style and Adapt to Others by Federation University
- Get Creative with People to Solve Problems by the University of Leeds & The Institute of Coding
- Cyber Security Operations (Cisco) by The Open University
- MSc Cyber Security by the University of Roehampton London
- Caring for Older People: a Partnership Model by Deakin University
- Becoming a Teacher by The Open University