History is filled with once-essential jobs that have disappeared due to technological progress. From switchboard operators to form fillers, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are now accelerating this transformation, reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace.
The reality is clear: more than half of the global workforce must reskill within the next five years to remain employable, according to the World Economic Forum. While traditional jobs will vanish, new opportunities will emerge for those equipped with the right skills.
Experts from the industry believe that employers today prioritie adaptability, problem-solving, and dynamic skill sets over mere degrees. Professor Himani Choudhary, Director Academics at AAFT, Noida, underscores the urgency of this shift. “With rapid advancements in automation and AI, students must evolve to thrive in an ever-changing employment landscape,” Choudhary said.
In a world where job roles are constantly evolving, upskilling—enhancing existing expertise—and reskilling—acquiring entirely new competencies—are crucial. “Staying ahead is essential. Upskilling and reskilling initiatives allow students to strengthen their competence and competitiveness, fostering a culture of resilience and innovation. Continuous learning is the key to excelling in today’s dynamic employment scenario,” she added.
Aligning education with industry needs
Academic institutions must ensure their curricula align with real-world industry demands. Nealesh Dalal, Managing Trustee at JD Educational Trust, highlights the necessity of embedding lifelong learning into education: “The workplace is evolving rapidly. To truly prepare students for the future, upskilling and reskilling must be integral to education. Students must not only acquire foundational knowledge but also develop the ability to adapt, learn, and grow continuously,” Dalal said.
Upskilling allows students to refine their skills, while reskilling opens new career pathways, keeping them relevant in an ever-changing job market. “In a world where new jobs emerge daily, fostering a mindset of continuous learning is vital,” Dalal added.
Strengthening industry-academia partnerships
Bridging the skills gap requires strong collaboration between businesses and educational institutions. Firoz Thairinil, Founder and CEO of UniAthena, explains, “As AI and automation transform industries, traditional education must be complemented by relevant upskilling and reskilling initiatives. Online education platforms play a critical role by offering flexible and affordable learning opportunities,” Thairinil added.
A PwC report reveals that 79% of CEOs are concerned about the availability of key skills in their workforce. To address this, universities and businesses are co-developing specialised courses, industry certifications, and internships to prepare students for high-demand roles.
Fostering an entrepreneurial mindset
Experts affirm, with its vast young workforce, India has the potential to become a global innovation hub—but only if students are trained as entrepreneurs, not just employees. According to NASSCOM, India may face a shortage of 1.4 million skilled tech professionals by 2026. To bridge this gap, educational institutions must prioritize industry-relevant skill development programs that foster both employment and entrepreneurship.
“India is seen as a land of immense potential. To compete on a global scale, we must equip our youth with the right skills. Change must begin at the grassroots level—colleges and schools must integrate industry-relevant upskilling programmes,” Diwakar Chittora, CEO and Founder, Intellipaat School of Technology, said.
“Students should not be limited to seeking jobs. Educational institutions must nurture an entrepreneurial mindset, empowering them to become problem-solvers and industry leaders. By shifting the focus from employment to innovation, we can cultivate a generation of job creators,” he added.
The future workforce: Adaptability is key
The workforce of tomorrow will navigate an environment unlike any before. It’s no longer just about what students learn today—it’s about ensuring they develop the mindset and tools to continue learning throughout their careers.
Vinu Warrier, Founder and Managing Partner at eduVelocity Global, explains, “The future workplace will be vastly different from today. Most current jobs will disappear, while new ones emerge. Students must identify their strengths, align them with evolving industries, and continuously refine their skills.”
He further emphasises, “The ability to adapt, learn, unlearn, and relearn will define success. Students must develop skills that enable them to reinvent themselves multiple times throughout their careers.”