Will Skilled Trades Jobs Survive AI in the Future?

Dr. Claude Toland, Director of Education, Universal Technical Institute – Houston

Dr. Claude Toland, Director of Education, Universal Technical Institute – Houston

Claude Toland, D.M., is Director of Education at Universal Technical Institute in Houston, where he leads strategic instructional programs and workforce development. A seasoned educator and leadership advocate, he shares insights on leadership, growth mindset and evolving workforce trends with a large professional audience across productivity, education and organizational culture.

Cerullo (2025, October 1) tells us the story of an electrician by the name of Jacob Palmer, who at 23 is already running his own electrical company. He started as an apprentice and decided to forego the cost of a fouryear college. When asked today, Palmer has no regrets skipping college and “establishing himself as a skilled tradesman.” Palmer stated, “I am very happy doing what I am doing now because it has given me the opportunity to work for myself and be independent," he told CBS News.

Many ask the question: Will Skilled Trades jobs withstand the era of AI Technology? The answer to that question is that there are truly some careers that are AI-resistant. Kern (2025) stated that the new generation of workers can be called the tool belt generation because they are foregoing college for career schools and apprenticeships. Miller in Kern (2025) stated, “You can automate design elements, but you can’t automate craftsmanship.”

ABC SoCal Staff (2025, December 8) tells us this about AI and skilled trades: “As AI optimizes white-collar workflows, capital will keep flowing into large physical projects. Public sector projects need to be built, wired, piped and maintained over decades.” The question is asked: What role will AI have in the support of skilled trades jobs in the future? The AI Boom itself depends on trades such as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, HVACR and other skilled workers to build and maintain the buildings, servers and cooling systems that support AI technology.

"Many ask the question: Will Skilled Trades jobs withstand the era of AI Technology? The answer to that question is that there are truly some careers that are AI-resistant."

Smith (2025) reminds us that we do not need to be afraid of AI. It is a technology that is designed to assist. For example, in the skilled trades, we have SMART HVACR systems that use AI to allow remote setting of thermostats. However, AI cannot install or repair the HVACR systems. That will require skilled technicians. The same is true with aviation repair. We might use AI to diagnose and troubleshoot problems; however, again, fixing the problem will require real-time use of critical thinking from humans, and humans will make the repairs.

The Academy of Craft Training (2025) tells us that in 2026, there will be hundreds of thousands of skilled trade jobs available. These are jobs that cannot be filled by technology, machines or shipped overseas. These are jobs that require people to use their hands and minds to install, repair or create things they can see and feel while choosing either to work for a company or become an entrepreneur. The article from The Academy tells us that in 2026 there will be massive shortages in the fields of HVACR, Welding, Electricians and Plumbers. Now is an exciting time to explore opportunities in the skilled trades, whether you want a career change or are a young person thinking of a bright future, getting ready to graduate from high school.

Ending on a positive note, we want to highlight that Kern (2025) stated that a Harris Poll identified that companies are viewed in a more positive light when they support skilled trade programs. Kern went on to highlight that many companies are offering to pay employees’ tuition at career schools, provide apprenticeships and paid internships and offer paid scholarships for workers interested in pursuing skilled trades careers. The overall answer to the question about skilled trades surviving AI is overwhelmingly yes.

Tracy Lorenz, Division President of Transportation, Skilled Trades and Energy Division Universal Technical Institute (2025), stated, “The shift is comprehensive: counselors will increasingly champion technical training as the high-value alternative. And, critically, parents will follow suit, recognizing that strong employer partnerships and hands-on competence can offer a secure career potential right now. The message is simple: the smartest investment today is in the skills technology can enhance but never replace.”

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