It is like the new literacy; in that it allows people to participate in society at a level they would not otherwise be able to. More precisely, it's the new numeracy; in that it gives a serious advantage in many fields to be able to deal with tasks and entities in a quantitative manner.
At present there are many areas where it is still possible to "get by" without at least a basic understanding of computing. But those days are drawing to a close; most new manufacturing jobs require basic coding skills because all of the work is happening on CNC mills. It may be possible to be a real estate agent without knowing more about digital technology than how to look things up on an ipad; but even in that field people who know and understand the limitations and capabilities of the data management systems they deal with have a serious and undeniable advantage.
Will the jobs of the future be built around coding? No more than the jobs of the present are built around reading. It will be an essential skill that one is expected to have as a matter of course.
At present there are many areas where it is still possible to "get by" without at least a basic understanding of computing. But those days are drawing to a close; most new manufacturing jobs require basic coding skills because all of the work is happening on CNC mills. It may be possible to be a real estate agent without knowing more about digital technology than how to look things up on an ipad; but even in that field people who know and understand the limitations and capabilities of the data management systems they deal with have a serious and undeniable advantage.
Will the jobs of the future be built around coding? No more than the jobs of the present are built around reading. It will be an essential skill that one is expected to have as a matter of course.