Complete a SWOT analysis of your current skills in relation to your "dream" job?

What could you do to fill the gaps you need to ensure that you are ready?

Read “Jobs Lost, Jobs Gained: What the Future of Work Will Mean for Jobs, Skills, and Wages” by McKinsey. Then in groups (or individually), choose two of the questions from the list below. For each question, research recent data (2023-2025) or case studies that help answer it, especially in your country or region. Prepare a report or presentation that:

1. States the question clearly.

2. Summarises what McKinsey’s report says about it.

3. Presents updated evidence (statistics, examples) showing what has changed or stayed the same.

4. Analyses what these changes mean for workers, businesses, and policy.

5. Makes at least two recommendations for how individuals, employers, or governments should act.

Research Questions

Here are questions students can pick from:

1. What share of tasks or hours are automatable, and how might this differ by occupation?
     • Which occupations are most exposed to automation according to McKinsey?
     • Are there recent examples (2023-2025) where automation has already replaced tasks in certain jobs?
     • What factors slow down or speed up automation adoption in different sectors?

2. What new job growth sectors are projected, and what skills will they require?
     • According to McKinsey, which sectors (healthcare, STEM, etc.) are expected to grow?
     • What new occupations might emerge that don’t exist today?
     • What are the educational/training requirements for those jobs?

3. How will automation impact wages and income distribution?
     • Which occupations are at risk of wage stagnation or decline?
     • How might growth be concentrated in high-wage roles?
     • Are there policies or case studies where increased automation has already widened (or narrowed) wage gaps?

4. What challenges will workers face in transitioning between occupations or acquiring new skills?
     • How large is the scale of workforce transition predicted (number of workers needing to switch jobs)?
     • What barriers — such as cost, access, time, geography — exist for retraining?
     • What examples are there of effective retraining / reskilling programmes?

5. How will the nature of work change in terms of tasks (predictable vs. unpredictable; physical vs. cognitive vs. social) and what does that mean for education?
     • Which tasks are most likely to be automated?
     • Which tasks will remain more human-focused (e.g. social skills, creativity)?
     • How should school / university curricula adapt?

6. Will there be “enough work” in the future?
     • McKinsey argues that in many scenarios, job creation will offset job loss. Is this holding up in more recent data?
     • In your country, is job growth keeping up with population growth or labour-force growth?
     • What sectors may lag, and what regions / demographic groups might be disproportionately affected?

7. What policy-oriented interventions are proposed, and how feasible are they?
     • Which interventions does McKinsey suggest (retraining, income support, labor-market mobility, etc.)?
     • Are there examples in your country or other countries where such policies have been tried? What were their results?
     • What political, financial, social constraints might affect implementation?

8. How do differences in country context (wage levels; demographic trends; sector mix) affect how automation and job transitions will play out?
     • Compare two countries (including your own): how do their labour markets, wage rates, demographics differ?
     • How do those differences change the risks/opportunities from automation?

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGzymO_rBc/ZbigKQeFDXZbrEQXiH3Puw/edit?utm_content=DAGzymO_rBc&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

You will have your MCQ at 1530 today

The world of work is changing rapidly — driven by technology, environmental priorities, and new social expectations. This task explores how Burton upon Trent, a town with a strong industrial heritage, is adapting to these changes and what a sustainable, future-focused economy could look like.

You will work in groups of four to research, analyse, and evaluate how Burton’s economy and employment patterns have evolved, and how the area can build a resilient and sustainable future of work.

Stage 1: Research – Understanding the Past and Present

Investigate how Burton upon Trent’s economy and workforce have evolved.
Your research should cover:

• Historical context: Key industries (e.g. brewing, manufacturing, logistics).

• Current employment patterns and economic challenges.

• Environmental and social sustainability issues affecting the area.

Suggested Sources:

• Staffordshire County Council Economic Strategy

• East Staffordshire Borough Council Local Plan

• ONS Labour Market Statistics

• Burton Mail local news

• UK Government “Levelling Up” white papers

Stage 2: Analysis – The Future of Work

Analyse how future of work trends could influence Burton’s local economy, workforce, and sustainability goals.
Consider:

• Automation, AI, and robotics in manufacturing/logistics

• Growth in green and circular economy sectors

• Shifts in working patterns (hybrid, gig work, flexible roles)

• Skills and retraining needs

Guiding Questions:

• Which local sectors are most vulnerable to technological disruption?

• How can Burton adapt to green transition policies and net-zero targets?

• What new opportunities could sustainable innovation create?

Stage 3: Evaluation – Building a Sustainable Future

Using your findings, critically evaluate realistic strategies to make Burton’s economy more sustainable and resilient.
Consider:

• Green infrastructure investment and low-carbon transport

• Regeneration of industrial sites

• Support for SMEs and social enterprises

• Education and training in sustainability and digital skills

• Collaboration between universities, councils, and local business networks

Stage 4: Presentation and Reflection

Complete and create: A 10-minute presentation supported by slides or an infographic summarising your key points.

Develop a one-page visual policy brief for Burton upon Trent Council, summarising:

• The town’s current sustainability and employment challenges

• Future opportunities for growth

• Your group’s three key recommendations

This will be presented upon my return to college next week

Todays task:

You need to pick 3 different trends in business and how they impact businesses.

These should be displaying a range of trends in the world, one should be sustainability focused, one should be focused on technology, and the other should be focused on social trends.

You need to present these trends back with real examples of where they are impacting businesses and how businesses are adapting their ways to accommodate these. Remember to include references to evidence the work you are saying