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How to Stay Ready When Industry Shifts Put Your Job at Risk
Summary: As British Steel warns of 2,700 job losses from blast furnace closures, employees in similar industries must proactively prepare for potential layoffs. This article provides guidance on upskilling, networking, and exploring new career opportunities to navigate the evolving job market.
Why Are So Many Industrial Jobs at Risk?
Industrial jobs across the UK and globally are under increased pressure due to shifts in energy policy, automation, and decarbonization goals. British Steel’s recent warning of up to 2,700 job losses stemming from the closure of its blast furnaces in Scunthorpe has put a spotlight on the urgency for workers in similar sectors to prepare for employment instability. The firm is pivoting toward greener technologies, but the human cost is immediate.
This isn’t an isolated case. From coal plants in Germany to automotive manufacturing hubs in the U.S., traditional industries are experiencing structural change. According to the International Labour Organization, up to 14% of jobs in OECD countries are at high risk of being automated, with another 32% likely to see significant change.
What Should Employees Do to Prepare for Layoffs?
1. Start Upskilling Before the Pink Slip Arrives
Upskilling isn’t just for the tech industry. For workers in steel, coal, or manufacturing, there’s increasing demand for those who can operate and maintain the very systems replacing older technologies.
Free and affordable training platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and FutureLearn offer relevant certifications in areas like industrial maintenance, digital logistics, renewable energy systems, and data entry automation. For trade professionals, certifications in environmental safety, machine learning in manufacturing, and mechatronics can open doors to adjacent fields.
📊 The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2025, 50% of all employees will need reskilling due to increased automation.
2. Build a Real Network, Not Just a LinkedIn One
When layoffs loom, connections matter. Start reconnecting with former coworkers, joining industry-specific online forums, and attending regional employment events hosted by unions or job centers.
Local chambers of commerce and career centers often host events that can help you meet employers directly. Also, websites like Meetup and Eventbrite list relevant professional events in most cities.
3. Should You Consider a Career Pivot?
Sometimes, the smartest move is sideways. If your industry is shrinking, look to sectors where your skillset could apply with minimal retraining. For instance, steelworkers with technical knowledge can move into roles in HVAC, renewable energy installation, or even heavy equipment logistics.
Jobs in green infrastructure, such as wind turbine operations or electric vehicle production, are expanding rapidly. According to Statista, the global number of green jobs exceeded 12.7 million in 2022 and continues to grow.
Are Government Programs Available to Help?
In the UK, the National Careers Service offers guidance and retraining assistance. Workers in sectors facing structural transformation may also qualify for redundancy pay and additional upskilling grants. In the U.S., the Department of Labor’s Trade Adjustment Assistance program supports those affected by job losses related to global trade or modernization.
These services can help workers craft CVs tailored for new sectors, provide interview coaching, and connect them with employers in demand.
Should You Consider Remote or Freelance Work?
Remote work is now viable across multiple industries—especially for those with digital skills. Websites like Upwork, Toptal, and Fiverr allow workers to begin freelance work in marketing, logistics coordination, technical writing, and even remote IT support.
💡 A McKinsey report from 2022 found that 58% of Americans can work from home at least one day per week, and 35% have the option to work remotely full-time.
Workforce reductions are rarely predictable, but preparation can soften the impact. By investing time in training, networking meaningfully, and keeping an eye on government and freelance opportunities, employees can stay ahead of industry shifts rather than be swept away by them.
As economist Richard Baldwin notes, “The new divide is not between jobs that can be automated and those that can’t—it’s between those who can work with AI and those who can’t.”
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