The Future of Work: What Jobs Will Look Like in 2030

by marketing | Jan 31, 2025 | News @ ORT, Old News

Imagine waking up in 2030. Your coffee is brewed by a smart AI machine using water from air, your electric bike flies you to work, and your augmented reality glasses give you the latest weather and news updates. The world of work has transformed, and if the buzz at CES 2025 is any indicator, technology and innovation are leading the charge.
A recent report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) Future of Jobs 2025 provides a glimpse of what’s ahead. This article combines also insights from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, which highlights how gadgets and technology will shape future careers. Here’s what it all means for you

The Robots Are Taking Over (and That’s a Good Thing!)
At CES 2025, robots were the stars of the show. From smart lawnmowers to AI-driven drug discovery platforms, technology is becoming deeply integrated into daily life. The WEF report agrees, predicting that by 2030, nearly half of all tasks will be split between humans and machines. That’s why tech-savvy roles like AI specialists, software developers, and robotics engineers are among the fastest-growing careers.
Whether it’s managing AI-powered smart factories or creating digital twins to optimize operations, the message is clear: understanding AI and its applications is essential.

𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐛𝐲𝐞 𝐎𝐥𝐝 𝐉𝐨𝐛𝐬, 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬
Some jobs, like data entry clerks and cashiers, are anticipated to be fading into the past. But that’s because exciting new opportunities will be taking their place. Green energy roles like renewable energy engineers and electric vehicle specialists are thriving as the world tackles climate change.
Here’s a surprising fact: the global gaming industry is expected to triple to $700 billion by 2030. But in South Africa, 80% of youth don’t know about career pathways in this booming sector. Designing games combines tech, creativity, and storytelling—a powerful mix that future employers will value. The gaming industry is also booming in places like South Africa. AI-powered game design tools are continually being introduced, making it easier than ever to create immersive gaming experiences. If you’re passionate about gaming, now is the perfect time to level up your skills.

𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰
Skills are the currency of the future. According to WEF, nearly 40% of today’s skills will need an update by 2030. The demand is skyrocketing for analytical thinking, creativity, and tech literacy.
CES 2025 revealed a key insight: it’s not just about knowing AI but understanding how to design intuitive interfaces and seamless user experiences. Whether you’re coding games, programming robots, or developing smart home devices, user-centred design is a skill you can’t ignore.

𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫
Even in a tech-driven world, human connections remain vital. The WEF report highlights the growing demand for jobs in healthcare and education, driven by aging populations and expanding youth demographics. At CES, the latest AI-powered sleep aids and mental health apps proved that people-focused technology will thrive alongside traditional caregiving roles.

𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
1. Master AI: Dive into AI and data science. It’s not just a trend; it’s the future of nearly every industry.
2. Get Creative: Whether you’re designing games or smart gadgets, creativity is key. Focus on skills like UX
design and storytelling.
3. Think Green: Climate-focused roles like renewable energy engineering are here to stay. Get involved in the
green economy.
4. Stay Curious: Never stop learning. Online platforms like Coursera and tech showcases like CES are great
places to start.
5. Embrace People Skills: Whether in gaming, healthcare, or teaching, jobs that center around human needs will
always be in demand.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞
The future of work is a mix of science fiction and sustainability. CES 2025 showed us a world where AI coffee machines using air to create water are the norm, and gaming careers can be as lucrative as traditional jobs. The WEF report reminds us that staying adaptable and curious is the key to thriving in this exciting future.
So, what’s next for you? Whether you’re building robots, designing games, or saving the planet, there’s a place for everyone in the world of 2030. The question is: where do you want to start?
Check the ORT SA website and Facebook page for opportunities to gain digital skills in collaboration with Cisco, IBM, and LinkedIn Learning, among others. The Big Data course offered by ORT SA in Gauteng and KZN promises to give you a strong start in the right direction. Visit our website at www.ortsa.org.za or join our vibrant Facebook group, ORT South Africa for more details.

Embracing AI in Education: ChatGPT, Google NotebookLM, and the future of learning

by marketing | Oct 30, 2024 | News @ ORT, Old News

In today’s fast-paced world, staying up-to-date with technology trends is essential across all industries. The rapid evolution of AI and automation has not only transformed business operations but has also reshaped the skills required to thrive in various fields. The introduction of ChatGPT and other large language models in late 2022 captivated the world, showcasing how this technology could enhance productivity across sectors. However, it also sparked debates about its implications in education, particularly in schools and universities. Many educational institutions initially attempted to block the use of these tools, only to realise that a more effective approach would be to incorporate AI into learning environments rather than resist it.

As schools and universities grapple with students’ use of ChatGPT for answering questions and writing essays, it has become clear that traditional assessment methods may no longer suffice. This transformation demands a rethinking of educational strategies, emphasizing the development of educators’ skills and attitudes toward AI.

A significant development in this space is Google’s NotebookLM, a tool that merges AI with personalized learning to enhance educational engagement. Unlike ChatGPT, which offers generalized AI assistance, NotebookLM allows students to create, organize, and explore information interactively, leveraging Google’s advanced search and knowledge tools. This encourages students to actively participate in learning rather than passively consume information, as they can interact with the AI to clarify concepts, ask follow-up questions, and build structured notes. Educators could see potential in NotebookLM to foster deeper comprehension and critical thinking, marking a shift from simply solving academic tasks with AI to enriching the learning journey itself.

ORT SA, an educational NGO, is leading the way in adapting to these changes in education. ORT SA works with schools from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, providing various programmes to build a skilled youth workforce for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The Let Kidz Code Programme has been empowering schools to incorporate Coding and Robotics since 2015, impacting thousands of learners and hundreds of teachers through Coding and Robotics clubs—setting trends well before the Department of Education introduced a curriculum for Coding and Robotics. ORT Tech in the Classroom also assists teachers in keeping pace with these changes, helping them integrate tools like ChatGPT and Google NotebookLM into teaching and learning.

As AI-driven tools like ChatGPT and NotebookLM continue to gain traction, there is a pressing need to build our skills and adopt these resources to better prepare students for a future where AI literacy will be as essential as digital literacy. Embracing these tools and adapting curriculum accordingly will empower students and teachers alike, ultimately integrating AI as an ally in modern education.

Let Kids Code Shatters STEM Stereotypes

by marketing | Apr 12, 2024 | News @ ORT, Old News

South Africa grapples with a significant shortage of skilled professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. This is particularly concerning for young girls, who are often steered away from these traditionally male-dominated careers.

However, the South32 and ORT SA’s Let Kidz Code programme has been an agent of change. This initiative goes beyond simply equipping students for the future workforce; it actively empowers youth to become leading figures in the technological revolution.

Let Kidz Code boasts an impressive statistic; a staggering 60-70% of its student participants are girls. The programme breaks down longstanding stereotypes and cultivates a passion for coding and robotics in young girls during their formative years. By fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, Let Kidz Code allows girls to see themselves as capable and enthusiastic contributors to the digital world and STEM as a whole.

Imagine a future where young women become the architects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution! Let Kidz Code equips these girls with the necessary tools to transform into innovators and leaders within the tech industry and beyond, gone are the days of a male dominated tech industry, rather balance and representation are starting to reign supreme.

Thanks to South32’s commitment to national transformation Let Kidz Code has been able to transcend the realm of coding – it dismantles barriers and paves the way for a future where young South African girls can stand on equal footing with their global peers. The programme fosters a world where girls are not bystanders to progress, but rather pioneers of change.

This initiative presents a powerful call to action. By encouraging young girls to embrace the exciting world of STEM, we can cultivate the future generation of female leaders in innovation.

Be a part of change, learn more about our STEM programmes and get involved.

hashtag#GirlsWhoCode hashtag#LetKidzCode hashtag#FutureIsFemale

Locked Out: The Struggle For The Right To Education

by marketing | Mar 25, 2024 | News @ ORT, Old News

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights names education as a fundamental right for all. Yet, millions around the world remain locked out of classrooms, their dreams of learning stifled by factors beyond their control.

One of the violations of this right occurs in societies where girls are denied an education. In Afghanistan under Taliban rule, girls were systemically excluded from secondary schools. Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani activist who famously spoke out for girls’ education, was shot by the Taliban for her defiance. Her story, though harrowing, is emblematic of the fight many girls still face.

Beyond gender discrimination, civil unrest and poverty create immense barriers to education. In war-torn regions like Syria or Yemen, schools are often destroyed or repurposed for military use. Children are forced to become soldiers or take on labor to support their families, leaving no time for learning.

Even in seemingly stable countries, poverty can be an insurmountable obstacle. In some developing nations, families cannot afford school supplies, uniforms, or the costs associated with attending school. Child labor becomes a harsh reality, robbing children of their childhood and educational opportunities.

The consequences of a denied education are far-reaching. It perpetuates poverty cycles, hinders economic development, and fuels social inequality. An educated population fosters innovation, promotes critical thinking, and paves the way for a more just society.

On this Human Rights Day, let us remember that true equality cannot be achieved without access to education. We must continue to raise awareness, support organizations working on the ground, and hold governments accountable for ensuring this fundamental right becomes a reality for all.