25 November 2025
Lifelong learning critical for millions to avoid future work shocks
NFER has published its new research report ‘The Skills Imperative 2035: Creating a system of lifelong learning to provide the essential skills for tomorrow’s workforce’, funded by the Nuffield Foundation.
The report is the culmination of a five-year project and explores how jobs could change by 2035 and the skills needed in the future workforce.
It concludes that 12m people in England are working in declining occupations, where up to 3 million jobs could disappear by 2035, despite the overall jobs market growing. The market will see a shift towards professional and technical roles, leaving those in lower skilled jobs needing to train up.
The report also identified six Essential Employment Skills (EES) that will be in demand by 2035, including collaboration and problem solving.
The report outlines solutions including ensuring young people leave education with these essential skills, a focus on technical skills, reinvigorating the adult skills system and working closely with employers.
Read the ‘The Skills Imperative 2035: Creating a system of lifelong learning to provide the essential skills for tomorrow’s workforce’ report.
The report is the culmination of a five-year project and explores how jobs could change by 2035 and the skills needed in the future workforce.
It concludes that 12m people in England are working in declining occupations, where up to 3 million jobs could disappear by 2035, despite the overall jobs market growing. The market will see a shift towards professional and technical roles, leaving those in lower skilled jobs needing to train up.
The report also identified six Essential Employment Skills (EES) that will be in demand by 2035, including collaboration and problem solving.
The report outlines solutions including ensuring young people leave education with these essential skills, a focus on technical skills, reinvigorating the adult skills system and working closely with employers.
Read the ‘The Skills Imperative 2035: Creating a system of lifelong learning to provide the essential skills for tomorrow’s workforce’ report.
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