Will AI Take My Job?
No need to worry if you're in the trades! While artificial intelligence is reshaping many careers, it's actually pushing more young people toward hands-on work. Imagine this: You graduate college, land your dream desk job, and then... shift happens. AI starts showing up as your new 'assistant,' but it feels more like it's doing all your work. Many are realizing this is the reality of white-collar jobs.
The AI Job Shake-Up
AI is a big deal, especially where entry-level white-collar jobs are concerned. A study from Stanford University found that since late 2022, employment for 22- to 25-year-olds in AI-exposed fields, like software development, has dropped by 16%. Conversely, veteran workers in the same fields have hardly felt a difference. (Axios)
On the flip side, blue-collar jobs, like plumbing and construction work, aren’t as easily replaced by robots or code. That's because these jobs require a human touch that AI just can't replicate yet. A report from Pearson plc highlights that less than 1% of these jobs are at risk versus about 30% of white-collar roles. (Staffing Industry)
The Trade School Resurgence
Now, here's an interesting twist: Gen Z is enrolling in trade schools more than ever. Compared to 2018, vocational-focused community college enrollment shot up by 16%. Even more eye-opening is that there's a whopping 23% hike in students taking up construction trades in 2023 alone. (Yahoo Finance)
Financial Perks in the Trades
Another reason youngsters are picking up hammers instead of keyboards? Money. The median income for new construction hires last year was $48,089. That's quite a bit more than the $39,520 median pay in professional services. So, not only is trade work more secure from automation, it's also potentially more rewarding financially. (Yahoo Finance)
One Person’s Shift to Trades
Take Sarah, a 24-year-old who studied marketing. She started her career confident about her future. Then, she noticed more AI tools taking over what she used to do. At first, the idea of switching to a trade seemed daunting. But today, she's in an apprenticeship program learning HVAC repair, and she loves it. Sarah even jokes, "I know AI's powerful, but it's definitely not fixing this air conditioner!"
The Future of Work?
Are we seeing a major shift back to hands-on work? Is it possible AI will drive even more changes in career choices for young people?
The future is uncertain, but one thing's for sure: AI isn't slowing down any time soon. So, finding a career that's both secure from automation and satisfying is key. And right now, the trades seem to be where the action—and the future—is.