Warren Kennard is a globally connected higher education professional and reformer with extensive...
The world of work isn’t just changing—it’s in full transformation mode. By 2030, we’re looking at 170 million new jobs popping up globally. Sounds great, right? But here’s the catch—92 million jobs could be displaced at the same time. Net positive, sure. But for workers and employers, it’s disruption on a massive scale. Technology is leading the charge. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, nearly 40% of core job skills will shift by the end of the decade. And AI? It’s set to transform 86% of businesses.
Translation? The future of work isn’t creeping up on us—it’s already here. And whether you’re fresh out of uni or a seasoned exec, adaptability is now the ultimate career superpower.
Change is happening in real time
Forget slow-motion shifts—our job market is moving at warp speed.
Between demographic shifts, the green economy, and AI-driven automation, entire professions are being reshaped. According to the Future of Jobs 2025 Report, 22% of current jobs will either be created or disappear entirely this decade.
Let’s put that into perspective:
- Data analysts, AI developers, and renewable energy experts? Skyrocketing in demand.
- Routine admin roles, clerical jobs, and cashiers? In decline thanks to automation.
This means the “safe” jobs of the past? Not so safe anymore. The ability to adapt, pivot, and upskill isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a survival skill.
Employers are already seeing this play out. A marketing manager five years ago? Their toolkit likely didn’t include AI-powered analytics. Today? It’s an expectation, not a bonus.
So, how do you stay ahead instead of scrambling to catch up? That’s where lifelong learning comes in.
Adaptability and lifelong learning: Your new career insurance
By 2030, nearly 40% of the skills we rely on today will have changed.
Read that again.
This means adaptability isn’t just important—it’s essential. Employers aren’t just looking for technical know-how anymore. They want people who can problem-solve, stay flexible, and embrace continuous learning.
Think about it this way:
Let’s say you’ve been working in finance for a decade. You’ve mastered Excel and traditional financial modeling. But now? The industry is shifting towards AI-driven analytics and fintech tools.
You have two options:
- Learn and adapt—take an online course in machine learning for finance, attend a fintech workshop, stay relevant.
- Dig in your heels—stick to the “way things have always been done” and risk being left behind.
Only one of those options leads to career longevity.
It’s no wonder companies are doubling down on upskilling programs. They know that investing in their workforce’s learning isn’t just good for employees—it’s essential for business survival.
And speaking of learning, let’s talk about the rise of online education.
Online learning: The game changer for career growth
Gone are the days when “going back to school” meant night classes and campus commutes.
Now? You can upskill from anywhere, anytime.
Online learning has exploded, and for good reason:
- 98% of companies planned to implement eLearning by 2023
- MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) enrollment jumped from 300,000 to 220 million in just a decade
Why the surge?
- Speed & flexibility: Learn on your schedule—whether it’s a 10-minute micro-course or a full certification.
- Quality: Interactive platforms, AI-driven learning paths, and real-world simulations make learning engaging and effective.
- Necessity: The COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses and schools online—and now, they’re staying there.
The best part? You’re no longer limited to what you learned in uni or the occasional company-sponsored training. Want to add “AI for Business” to your skill set? A quick online course can get you there. Need a crash course in digital marketing? There’s a certificate for that.
The bottom line: Online learning isn’t just an option anymore—it’s the key to staying competitive in an evolving job market.
Rethinking training in the age of AI
AI is shaking up every industry. And companies are rethinking how they hire and train talent as a result.
A huge shift is happening: skills-based hiring is on the rise.
More and more employers are saying, “Show me what you can do,” instead of “Show me your degree.”
In fact, only 43% of employers still require a university degree for most roles. Instead, they’re looking at:
- Coding challenges over diplomas
- Design portfolios over GPAs
- Real-world experience over theoretical knowledge
At the same time, companies are massively investing in upskilling their workforce.
- 85% of employers plan to increase upskilling programs
- AI, cloud computing, and data analytics are top training priorities
And here’s the real game-changer: learning and development strategies are getting smarter.
Forget boring, one-size-fits-all corporate training. The new wave of L&D includes:
✅ Microlearning – Short, focused lessons that fit into the workday
✅ On-demand learning – Video modules, interactive simulations, and mobile-friendly courses
✅ AI-powered personalisation – Training that adapts to individual learning styles and gaps
This isn’t about checking a box for compliance training. It’s about making learning an everyday habit—something employees WANT to do, not just HAVE to do.
Companies that get this right? They’ll build future-proof teams. The ones that don’t? They’ll struggle with talent shortages and high turnover.
Future-proof learning with Oppida
This is exactly where Oppida comes in.
We don’t just create online courses—we build engaging, high-impact learning experiences that help organisations and individuals stay ahead in an evolving world.
Here’s how we help:
AI training
Need to roll out a company-wide AI learning program? We’ll design an interactive, practical course—not just a PDF manual.
Skill-based learning paths
Want employees to move from beginner to expert in cybersecurity, fintech, or digital marketing? We create structured learning pathways that drive real skill development.
Engagement-first learning design
Let’s be real—bad online courses are everywhere. We make sure yours aren’t one of them.
The takeaway? Work is changing. Learning has to change with it. And Oppida is here to help you make that happen.
Learning is your best insurance for the future of jobs
The future of work belongs to the adaptable.
For individuals, this means owning your learning journey. Seek out new knowledge, build new skills, and stay ahead of the curve.
For organisations, this means creating a culture of continuous learning. Provide employees with the tools to upskill, and you’ll build a future-proof workforce.
One thing is certain: standing still isn’t an option.
If you’re ready to elevate your approach to online learning—Oppida is here to help. Let’s build the future of education together.
Get in touch today. Because in the race between education and disruption, education has to win.
References
World Economic Forum – Future of Jobs Report 2025 (Key Findings)​
aiforeducation.io
weforum.org
World Economic Forum – Top Emerging and Declining Jobs by 2030​
skillzme.com
weforum.org
AI for Education – Highlights from WEF Future of Jobs 2025​
aiforeducation.io
Continu Research – Corporate eLearning Statistics 2025​
continu.com
McKinsey & Co. – Online Education Growth Trends​
mckinsey.com
