The 16 most promising professions in industry until 2035

By Bruno de Freitas Moura, reporter for Agência Brasil - A study on the future of national industry has identified 16 professions that are expected to be among the most sought after in the sector. In the survey conducted by the National Industry Observatory, linked to the National Confederation of Industry (CNI), researchers outline the scenario for the next ten years – until 2035 – and also listed technologies that are expected to become widespread in the industrial environment during this period.

According to the observatory's superintendent, Márcio Guerra, operational and repetitive functions tend to disappear, giving way to more analytical, creative and interdisciplinary occupations.

"Today's workers will need to continuously adapt, developing skills such as digital fluency, data analysis, and complex problem-solving."

There are eight occupations for technical-level professionals and eight for higher-level professionals. Check out the list of future professions in industry:

Technical level

1. microgrid and renewable energy technician
2. industrial cybersecurity technician
3. additive manufacturing technician (3D printing)
4. predictive maintenance technician
5. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industrial Connectivity Technician
6. technician in operation of autonomous robots and drones
7. augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) technician
8. technician in remote sensing and geotechnologies

Higher level

1. open and collaborative innovation manager
2. sustainability and circular economy manager
3. specialist in digital twins (virtual replica of an object or system) and virtual modeling
4. specialist in algorithmic governance and digital ethics
5. industrial data scientist
6. Machine learning and industrial AI (artificial intelligence) engineer
7. edge computing engineer
8. supply chain blockchain solutions architect

Of the professions listed, the observatory estimates that, in 10 years, around 60% of industries will require industrial cybersecurity technicians and 50% will require microgrid professionals.

emerging technologies

Among the technologies that will gain ground in industries in the coming years, the study cites artificial intelligence, the industrial internet of things, digital twins, blockchain, additive manufacturing, and augmented reality, among others, which will act as "central elements in redefining production processes and business models."

Researchers believe that the implementation and use of emerging technologies require a new set of skills from workers to operate complex systems and interact with intelligent machines.

“It's not just about operating machines and equipment, but understanding the systems that connect them, analyzing the data they produce, and making evidence-based decisions,” says Guerra.