Future-proof your career: Top skills for 2030

Future proof

By Linda Wilkin, ABE Marketing Director

Will AI take your job — or open doors to new opportunities?

With automation and AI are reshaping jobs and industries, many people are asking the same question: which skills will keep me employable and future-proof my career?

The good news: jobs aren’t disappearing — they’re evolving. The World Economic Forum predicts a net gain of 5 million jobs globally by 2030. The key to success isn’t resisting change, but equipping yourself with the right skills and qualifications

This guide highlights some of the most in-demand skills and fastest-growing industries of the future — and how you can prepare now.

Which skills will employers want most in 2030?

As automation takes over routine tasks, employers are prioritising human-centred skills that machines can’t replicate. According to the WEF, the top career skills for 2030 include:

  • Analytical thinking
  • Agility and adaptability
  • Flexibility
  • Leadership

These skills are valuable whether you’re building a corporate career or running your own business.

How to choose the right qualification

To ensure your studies help you stand out, look for qualifications that:

  • Develop future skills such as agility and analytical thinking – check to see what soft core skills your qualification develops. ABE lists these on every qualification's web page.
  • Are highly regarded by learners – check testimonials from past students.
  • Are regulated by a recognised authority – such as Ofqual, for international portability.

Leadership is another top skill employers are looking for. Adding a leadership qualification to your portfolio and joining a membership organisation like The Institute of Leadership can strengthen your skills and reputation and give you access to research, professional development, and valuable networks.

All ABE learners receive a year’s complimentary membership with The Institute of Leadership, helping you build credibility from day one.  

Focus on employment trends

Another way to future-proof your career is to develop expertise in areas of rising demand. One of the clearest examples is sustainability.

Example: Green skills and sustainability

With climate change accelerating, employers urgently need specialists who can help organisations become more sustainable. Consider these powerful trends:

  • Climate change adaptation is projected to create 5 million new jobs by 2030.
  • Environmental stewardship is now a top 10 fastest-growing skill globally.
  • Nearly half of employers surveyed by WEF plan to increase investment in emissions reduction.
  • Despite a 12% increase in workers gaining green skills, demand rose by 22% in just one year, according to LinkedIn.
  • LinkedIn data also shows professionals with green skills are hired at a significantly higher rate than those without.

In response, ABE is launching a range of qualifications designed to develop the sustainability expertise that employers are looking for.

Choose a high-growth industry

Another future-proofing strategy is to specialise in an industry forecast for long-term expansion.

Example: Travel, Tourism and Hospitality

This sector relies on human interaction and creativity — roles that are harder to replace with AI. The outlook is strong:

  • In 2023, travel and tourism contributed $9.9 trillion to the global economy; in 2024, it grew to $11.1 trillion.
  • By 2034, the sector is expected to reach $16 trillion, accounting for 11.4% of the global economy.
  • Tourism alone is set to provide jobs for 449 million people worldwide.

To meet this demand, ABE is developing qualifications that equip you to lead, run, and grow businesses in this vibrant industry.

Final thoughts

The world of work in 2030 will look very different — but with the right skills, it will be full of opportunities. Whether through sustainability, leadership, or human-centred expertise, now is the time to invest in qualifications that set you apart.

At ABE, we continue to track global employment trends and design programmes that help learners thrive in a fast-changing world.

👉 Ready to future-proof your career? Sign up here to be the first to hear about ABE’s upcoming qualifications in sustainability and travel, travel and hospitality.