A government-backed report published today reveals the top 40 jobs that will be most in-demand in future, from nursing to IT business analysts.

The report will be of interest to school lavers and graduates looking for their first rung on the career ladder and a secure job for years to come.

Careers of the Future, released today by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), points out that traditional skills such as farming, care work and engineering will be sought after as well as more modern roles in software and IT.

To produce the shortlist, the jobs were assessed for rates of pay, business need and expected job vacancies in future.

Top of the list are jobs including:

• Care workers

• Construction project managers

• Electricians

• Farmers

• IT business analysts

• Mechanical engineers

• Nurses

• Police officers

• Programmers and software developers

• Sales account managers and business development managers

• Secondary school teachers

• Train and tram drivers

Skills minister Nick Boles said: “This insight in to the jobs of the future will be an important tool in helping young people make more informed decisions about their career.

“Whether you want to become a mechanical engineer or nursery teacher, our reforms and commitment to driving up the quality of vocational education mean there are now a variety of equally valid and respected pathways in to the world of work.”