A number of highly skilled jobs will disappear in the near future if new talent is not recruited, new analysis of workforce data has revealed.
Among those most at risk were glass and ceramics process operatives, tool makers and wood machine operatives. They are among several jobs where the number of staff working in them roles has more than halved since 2004.
Sixteen years’ worth of data from the Office for National Statistics was analysed for a trade trends report released by Skills Training Group.
With the number of glass and ceramic process operatives declining by 77 per cent between 2004 and 2020, the analysis found this was the occupation most in need of new talent.
In total, there are 9,200 fewer glass and ceramic operatives now than there were 16 years ago.
While the decline among typists (65%), assemblers (65%) and printing machine assistants (63%) has been slightly more modest, these job roles are also facing the brunt of modernisation.
And while technological advancement is likely to greatly reduce the need for them in future, a number will still have an important role to play in society for many years to come.
Mark McShane, managing director at Skills Training Group said their survival depended on the numbers of young people they could attract, adding: “In order to encourage them, it is important businesses across all industries engage with youngsters, sharing their success stories to encourage a new workforce.
“Communication and marketing needs to be a big part of the recruitment process – young people will better engage with clear and smart communication. Companies and industries that make noise, engage with social media and shout about what makes these job roles attractive will see the tide change in the amount of people wanting a job.”
