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Megatrends - The skills squeeze: image descriptions

Chart 1 (Left): Share of population aged 65 and above

Line chart showing the percentage of people aged 65 and over from 1950 to 2100 across multiple countries. All lines trend upward, indicating ageing populations worldwide. In 2022, about 10% of the global population is over 65. By 2050, this rises to 16%, and by 2100, one in four people will be over 65. African countries remain below 15% by 2100, while China is at 41%, France at 34% and the United States at 30%. 

Chart 2 (Right): People over 65 vs children under five

Area chart comparing global population share of people aged 65+ (blue) and children under five (orange) from 1950 to 2100. Initially, children under five make up a much larger share, but the gap narrows over time. In 2018, older adults outnumber young children for the first time. By 2050, the older population is twice as large as the under-five group, and by 2100, five times larger. Projection scenario from 2023 to 2100 is shaded.

Chart 3: The world's fastest growing jobs

Infographic titled “The World’s Fastest Growing Jobs” showing projected net growth from 2025 to 2030. Big Data Specialists lead with +110%, followed by FinTech Engineers (+95%) and AI & Machine Learning Specialists (+85%). Other roles include Software & Applications Developers (+60%), Security Management Specialists (+55%), Data Warehousing Specialists (+50%), Autonomous & EV Specialists (+45%), UI & UX Designers (+45%), Light Truck or Delivery Services Drivers (+45%), Internet of Things Specialists (+40%), Data Analysts & Scientists (+40%), Environmental Engineers (+40%), Information Security Analysts (+40%), DevOps Engineers (+40%), and Renewable Energy Engineers (+40%). A note states global employers expect the fastest-growing jobs by 2030 to be driven by AI and robotics.

Chart 4 (Left): Projected population change by age group

Bar chart showing projected population change in Scotland by age group from mid-2022 to mid-2047. Younger age groups decline: ages 0–15 drop by 79,900 and ages 16–29 by 57,300. Ages 60–74 decrease slightly by 13,300. Middle age groups rise: ages 30–44 increase by 104,500 and ages 45–59 by 40,300. The largest growth is in ages 75+, which increase by 341,300.

Chart 5 (Right): Estimated and projected population of Scotland

Line chart showing Scotland’s population growth from 2007 to 2047. Starts at 5.2 million in 2007, rises steadily to 5.4 million by 2022, then projected to reach 5.7 million by 2032 and 5.8 million by 2047. Projection period is shown with a dotted line.

Infographic: The Scottish skills landscape

This graphic, produced by the Fraser of Allander Institute at the Univerisity of Strathclyde, summarises key workforce and skills challenges. Highlights include:

  • One quarter of employers report vacancies, with 31% being skill-shortage roles.
  • Skilled Visa salary threshold rose by 48%, from £26,200 to £38,700, pricing many employers out of the international hiring market.
  • Number of people aged 65+ projected to rise by almost a third by 2045; in 2023, over 91,000 people aged 65+ were still employed, more than double 2004 levels.
  • IT project managers, chief executives, and electricians are among the most vulnerable occupations to an ageing population.
  • Only 21% of businesses feel employees are fully equipped with digital technology skills; 46% are not taking action to develop these skills.
  • Less than one in five employers offered formal apprenticeships in 2021.
  • Onshore wind workforce must grow from 6,900 FTEs in 2024 to 20,500 FTEs by 2027 to meet climate targets.
  • Employers increasingly value both technical and soft skills.