It is the time of year when new grads—and sometimes their parents—call or email looking for help. High school graduates are also deciding what career field to study. So, it’s a good week to update the employment outlook.
In this blog post, I’ll review five sectors with significant future hiring potential to help you make informed career decisions.
The US Department of Labor analyzes trends in the workforce and predicts future demand to help individuals make fact-based decisions about their career paths. As we look towards the future, it’s important to consider which industries are projected to offer the best job opportunities. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics, (BLS), a DOL agency, has identified the occupations with the highest projected percent change of employment between 2022 and 2032. (Latest statistics available)
The career fields and industries we are updating this week, based on US Department of Labor data include:
- Healthcare and social assistance,
- Retail trade,
- Scientific and technical jobs,
- Construction, and
- Accommodations and food service.
As usual, we want to caution you that “your results may vary.
Healthcare and Social Assistance
According to the US Census, all baby-boomers will be 65 years of age or more in 2030. This fact alone suggests that the demand for healthcare and social assistance services will increase markedly within the next decade.
The healthcare and social assistance sector encompasses a range of services, from medical care and rehabilitation to counseling and support for vulnerable populations. Healthcare professionals and social service workers try to ensure that individuals’ physical and emotional needs are met and that they are equipped with the tools to overcome their challenges.
With regard to employment, these high-demand jobs require a range of skill levels. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants need to have graduate degrees, but home care aides usually need a high school diploma. And the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that the demand for personal care workers would increase 21% between 2022 and 2032.
A segment on the April 26, 2024 episode of CBS Morning pointed out that personal care jobs cannot be outsourced. An AI cannot perform these jobs either. Workers spend long hours at their jobs and don’t always earn enough for them to make ends meet although demand will continue to rise.
Retail Trade
Surprisingly, some traditional retail jobs could make a comeback. Retailers are finding that self-service checkout is costing them money. The rise of online and mobile app shopping has also created new retail jobs.
In today’s world, with the rise of e-commerce and online shopping, retail trade has become more accessible and convenient than ever before. Despite its challenges, retail trade is an important industry that enables consumers to purchase the products they need and want either at stores or remotely, so retailers need workers that can support both kinds of shopping.
According to recent press reports, certain big-box stores and supermarkets are cutting back on automated, self-service checkout service. They have found that customers do not always scan all their merchandise, causing loss of revenue for the business. So, we may see an uptick in demand for cashiers—another traditional entry-level job for students and recent grads.
Scientific and Technical Services
The demand for scientific and technical services continues to rise in the current fast-paced and technological landscape. This industry includes fields such as engineering, architecture, research and development, and computer systems design.
There are many new technologies in development that will generate engineering and scientific jobs. For example, Boom Aerospace is developing a new generation of supersonic airliners that could take flight within the decade. Other companies are testing battery-powered aircraft for short-haul flights according to press reports. And the AI revolution could create an insatiable demand for experts in that discipline.
The BLS reports that the demand for computer researchers was expected to increase about 22% from 2022 to 2032, while the demand for cybersecurity specialist could increase 32%.
Although many jobs in aerospace and AI require advanced degrees, some fast-growing jobs in renewable energy only require technical training. For example, BLS has predicted that the demand for solar photovoltaic installers was expected to increase 22% between 2022 and 2032. Solar PV installers are workers that install solar panels.
The demand for wind turbine technicians was expected to increase a whopping 45% between 2022 and 2032 according to BLS.
Whether you have an advanced degree in information technology, cybersecurity, or aerospace, or train at technical school to install and maintain renewable energy systems, the jobs are out there.
Construction
From towering skyscrapers to intricate bridges, construction plays a crucial role in shaping our society. New technology and sources of public infrastructure funding mean there is work for those that want to build things—and work that cannot be outsourced! It’s work an AI cannot do either.
Construction isn’t just about building something new – it’s also about preserving and enhancing existing structures. Both new and restoration construction require a skilled workforce that’s dedicated to creating something remarkable. If you’re looking for a career that combines creativity, innovation, and purpose, consider the world of construction.
And, every 30 to 40 years, Congress funds renewal of America’s public infrastructure. They did so with the Federal Highway Act in the 1950s, the Intermodal Surface Transportation Act in 1990, and a new infrastructure program in 2021. This creates additional jobs alongside private-sector projects.
An AI or offshore worker cannot rebuild a bridge in Baltimore Harbor, or renovate crumbling railroad and subway stations in New York. Local American workers have to do it.
Accommodation and Food Services
The accommodation and food services industry is a vital part of our economy, offering a wide range of services to both residents and visitors alike. From hotels and motels to restaurants and bars, this industry caters to the needs and desires of customers of every budget seeking comfortable and enjoyable experiences.
In addition, the industry offers opportunities for a range of professionals from chefs and servers to hotel managers and housekeepers. Overall, this industry plays a pivotal role in providing us with places to stay and nourishment to fuel our bodies.
Furthermore, hospitality jobs cannot be readily outsourced or replaced by AIs. Most of us would probably prefer to be where, as Billy Joel says, “Joe at the bar is a friend of mine,” or “where everybody knows your name.” (The TV show “Cheers”) While I have watched a robot mix and serve drinks on a cruise ship, it’s hard to imagine the industry will widely replace its workers with robots.
Concluding Comments
Predictions that most of us will be replaced by AI-driven robotic workers are simply not realistic. High-touch jobs in fields such as healthcare, construction, and hospitality cannot be sent offshore. And we won’t all require graduate degrees to find work, either. So, whether you are graduating in a few weeks, or planning to start college in the fall, you should be optimistic.
Guide to the Post-pandemic Job Market
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.