These are the findings of our new study, which also revealed that 70% of young people want more guidance on the skills that will be in demand in the next 20 years to help make informed decisions on further education and careers.
In response to these findings, our futurists and technologists have predicted the top job roles likely to exist by the year 2040 and the areas of study that students should pursue to equip them with relevant skills.
Advances in technology, engineering and science, mean the workplace of today will look dramatically different in 2040. Whilst it’s impossible for today’s young people to know exactly where their career will take them in the next 20 years, a wide range of skills will be useful in future-proofing the careers of young people today. Indeed, subjects as varied as Graphic Design, Philosophy, Chemical Engineering and Cybersecurity will prove valuable for the jobs of tomorrow. Nick Colosimo, Principal Technologist, BAE Systems
Jobs of the future identified, include:
Auto-Advisor
Areas of study: Robotics; Mechanical Engineering and Physics.
VR Architect
Areas of study: Graphic Design and Information Technology (IT).
AI Ethicist
Areas of study: Philosophy; History and Maths.
Some of our best technicians come from different backgrounds and, as future positions evolve, it’s important that school leavers embrace the element of the unknown to futureproof their careers. Our early careers programmes are helping young people not only with the skills required for today’s jobs but also those skills that will allow them to adapt in the future. At BAE Systems, we are always looking ahead to better understand our future skills requirements and are committed to investing continually in the professional development of our people. Nick Colosimo, Principal Technologist, BAE Systems
Systems Farmer
Areas of study: Chemistry; Biology and Chemical Engineering.
Human e-Sources Manager
Areas of study: Psychology, Biology, Medical Sciences.
AI Translator
Areas of study: Cybersecurity; IT and Mechanical Engineering.
Image gallery

Systems Farmer
Technologists are on the verge of a revolution in synthetic biology and chemical engineering in production where we can expect to be ‘growing’ macroscale multi-function platform parts, with desirable nanoscale features.
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Human e-Sources Manager
A Human e-Sources Manager would use performance-based wearables or e-textiles to measure data such as cognitive workload, wellbeing and output on an ongoing basis.
The images on this site are the property of BAE Systems (Copyright © 2023 BAE Systems. All rights reserved)

AI Translator
As human and robotic working or ‘cobotics’ becomes more intertwined, the AI Translator will be responsible for training both the human and the AI assistant, helping them develop an effective ‘teaming’ relationship.
The images on this site are the property of BAE Systems (Copyright © 2023 BAE Systems. All rights reserved)