AI fears spark renewed interest in skilled trades

A new report from MyBuilder.com suggests a growing number of people are turning to the skilled trades as concerns over AI and job security rise.

The study found that 45% of people fear AI will affect their careers, while 21% have considered retraining in a trade such as plumbing or electrics. Interest is particularly strong among younger workers, with 34% of 18-34 year olds surveyed saying they’d thought about switching to the trades.

AI was revealed as a big concern for many Brits when it came to their current careers. The study showed that 50 per cent of men and 46 per cent of women asked were worried about the impact AI would have on their careers. Brits in the North West were the most concerned about this problem – with nearly two thirds (62 per cent) stating they had concerns about how AI would affect their current job roles.

The survey also revealed that 39% would consider moving abroad for work – rising to 60% among younger respondents – and 35% of people have recently struggled to find a tradesperson, underlining the UK’s well-documented skills shortage.

“Flexible working hours, training on the job, and lots of opportunities to be self employed are just some of the benefits that we see tradespeople enjoying every day,” said Andy Simms, MyBuilder.com. “Our new research suggests that more people are now considering the skilled trades as a great option for their career. However, we continue to call on the Government, schools, and colleges to push the industry as a great vocation for young adults, so that this momentum continues.”