What Work Cambridgeshire and Rutland 2016 | Page 4

What Work Cambridgeshire & Rutland 2016

The world of work – the future is now!
Do you wonder what work will be like as you get older? Maybe you’re not sure what the world
of work is like at the moment. Looking at future trends and the different ways in which we work
can help you to plan your future career.

What is the ‘labour market’?

When people talk about the ‘labour market’ they usually mean
the jobs that people do and the ‘world of work’.  Labour market
information can tell you the number of people in certain types
of jobs, whether they work full-time or part-time, how many
people are unemployed and what is likely to happen locally,
nationally and even internationally over the next few years. The
next few pages look at how changes in the labour market could
affect your future career decisions.

Work facts for the 21st century

Lots of new jobs are going to be created over the next 15 years. Some of these will be jobs we’re
familiar with but many will be new to us. How much do you know about the jobs listed below?
They are all out there right now!
Over 40% of all jobs in
2020 will require graduate
level qualifications
(level 6 and above).1

user experience architect
app designer
sustainability consultant

reputation manager

social media strategist

e-commerce merchandiser
The types of job available to us now and in the future will mainly be for people
with at least level 2 and level 3 qualifications* but over 40% of UK jobs in 2020
will be for graduates. Why? Because the world is changing fast and the UK
needs to compete with the rest of world in areas such as engineering, research,
creativity, science, technology and innovation.

What does this mean to me?
It means that the more qualifications you have, the more jobs you can
apply for. Most employers want someone who has at least five good
GCSEs including English and maths, and often science too. If you have
these and some experience of work (a Saturday job or volunteering for
example) then you’re more likely to succeed.

2

* See page 18 1 DCSF The World is Changing