AI and green jobs on the rise but workers concerned they lack skills, says LinkedIn

A new breed of job roles are coming to the fore based in AI and sustainability.

According to LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise report, Artificial Intelligence Engineer is the fastest growing job in both the UK and the US, closely followed by Artificial Intelligence Consultant (#2 in the US) and Artificial Intelligence Researcher (#9 in the UK).

Sustainability and environment roles also continue to feature prominently globally, with Sustainability Specialist ranked ninth in the US and Environmental Officer ranked fifth in the UK.

On a global level demand for green talent grew twice as quickly as supply between 2023 and 2024 (11.6% vs. 5.6%).

Job seekers with green skills or titles recorded a 54.6% higher hiring rate than the workforce overall.

LinkedIn found that job markets are cooling and hiring is slowing down, but emerging roles in tech and sustainability are creating new opportunities.

Over half (55%) of positions featured in the UK Jobs on the Rise did not exist 25 years ago.

However, despite these emerging roles, 45% of UK HR professionals said their company doesn’t have a clear view on the skills it will need in the coming years, LinkedIn found.

Meanwhile, one in five (20%) of UK workers are concerned that they lack the necessary skills for the future of work.

HR leaders shouldn't overlook upskilling opportunities

Skills-first hiring strategies are not a new concept for HR leaders and many organizations are either considering how to implement this in the short-term or are already underway with their efforts.

With a growing impetus on AI-based and sustainability roles, HR leaders will also need to consider how these factors will align with strategic objectives alongside the need for a skilled workforce.

Commenting on the research findings, Janine Chamberlin, Head of LinkedIn UK, told UNLEASH that it was unsurprising to see the impact of technology, particularly AI, on the global hiring trends.

“Artificial Intelligence Engineer is the fastest growing job in both the UK and US, and our platform data shows that AI roles are on the rise around the world,” Chamberlin says.

"Global commitments to climate goals are also reflected in LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise, with roles such as sustainability specialist and environmental officer featuring prominently.”

Chamberlin explains that the job lists highlight “areas of growth” for businesses and that there is an awareness of skills gaps within the current workforce.

There is a huge opportunity for managers and hiring teams to upskill their existing teams and focus on skills-based hiring to ensure they have the right people to future-proof their business.”There is a huge opportunity for managers and hiring teams to upskill their existing teams and focus on skills-based hiring to ensure they have the right people to future-proof their business.”

“Workforce Development Manager is number four on the US jobs on the rise list, reiterating the importance of dedicated HR leaders in helping businesses navigate the changing world of work,” Chamberlin concludes.