Find an AI-Proof Job

The consensus is that AI will support, but not replace, skilled tradespeople. Practical jobs require real-world experience, dexterity, and personal trust which are all qualities that AI cannot replicate. Survey respondents consistently support integrating technology as an aid, rather than a substitute for human expertise.

• Over half believe AI can improve fault finding, diagnostics, and job accuracy.
• Efficiency gains are highly valued, especially for streamlining admin and reducing repetitive paperwork.
• Tradespeople expect AI to boost customer service with clearer information and faster communication.
• Many see safety enhancements as a core advantage, particularly in gas and electrical work.
• Respondents also cite increased profits and productivity as important reasons to adopt AI.

Tradespeople are prioritising AI applications that deliver clear, practical improvements, with a strong focus on enhancing technical workflows and reducing administrative burdens.

• The top area tradespeople want AI support is in diagnostics and fault finding to speed up troubleshooting and reduce errors.
• Automating admin and paperwork comes next, freeing up more time for skilled tasks.
• AI-powered design, technical planning, and customer communication are also desired improvements.

Although tradespeople see the potential of AI, many remain cautious, highlighting a range of practical and ethical concerns that could hinder adoption in the sector.

• Over-reliance on technology is the biggest concern, with worries that AI could erode skilled, hands-on problem-solving.
• The high cost of AI tools and software presents a significant barrier, especially for small businesses.
• Data privacy and security issues are a growing worry as tradespeople manage sensitive client and project information through digital platforms.
• Trade professionals fear reduced trust from customers if AI communications become impersonal or too automated.
• Job displacement and loss of demand for skilled workers remain underlying concerns, though most believe AI should support, not replace, human tradespeople.

Tradespeople remain optimistic about AI’s benefits for safety and efficiency, but emphasise that future success relies on supporting, not replacing, essential hands-on expertise.

• The majority expect AI to positively impact safety, accuracy, and efficiency, while stressing the importance of core skills and human expertise.
• Future adoption will depend on practicality, security, and demonstrable benefits. Most tradespeople anticipate a gradual increase in AI usage over the next five years.
• Experienced professionals and newcomers alike support training that integrates digital skills, ethics, and hands-on exposure to AI tools.
• Despite enthusiasm, there’s consensus that trades will adopt AI at a slower rate than office-based roles, due to the need for physical dexterity, adaptability, and the irreplaceable value of real-world skills.

It’s hard to say, as they all possess complex and fine motor skills that are necessary to complete tasks. What we can say is that the more physically complex trades, such as a plumber or electrician, would be more secure when compared to bricklayers. 3D concrete printing technology companies like Building For Humanity are already replacing the need for bricklayers, and from what we can see, AI isn’t heavily integrated with their system. If they’re already offering improved savings, speed, sustainability, and strength now…think what it will be like in 5 years.

To remain competitive, tradespeople should focus on developing:

• Digital platforms: Tradespeople should look to develop their skills with Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT as they will be able to streamline the admin-based tasks that come with their line of work. Other digital platforms that they may want to focus on getting used to are Canva, QuickBooks and any job scheduling platforms like Gas Engineer Software.
• Customer service: Enhancing communication and relationship-building skills will become key as customers prefer to use tradespeople they have previously used. It is already key, but as the building services industry becomes more competitive, customer retention will be vital.
• Adaptability: Being open to learning new technologies and methods only helps when it comes to expanding your services. If you don’t upskill and learn the current trending services, you may get left behind, especially when AI makes the industry more competitive.

Tradespeople can leverage AI as a complementary tool to enhance their work by:

1. Using AI-powered diagnostics to identify problems more quickly and accurately.
2. Implementing predictive maintenance systems to prevent emergency repairs.
3. Adopting AI-based inventory management to reduce stock shortages.
4. Embracing customer service AI tools to handle inquiries and scheduling.

To future-proof your trade career, consider pursuing:

1. Certifications in emerging technologies relevant to your trade, such as smart home systems or renewable energy installations.
2. Digital skills training to understand and work with AI-powered tools and diagnostics.
3. Business management courses to help you adapt to changing market conditions.
4. Specialised qualifications in high-demand areas like renewable energy systems or electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
5. Continuous professional development to stay current with industry standards and technologies.

Yes, trades represent an excellent career choice for young people concerned about AI job displacement. According to Logic4training’s Director, Mark Krull, building services is an “AI beating choice for the next generation”. More than half of young people are worried about the impact AI could have on their future careers, but trades offer a path with strong job security, good earning potential, and resistance to automation.

Yes, AI is creating new opportunities within trades by:

1. Introducing AI-powered tools that enhance efficiency and accuracy.
2. Creating demand for tradespeople who can install and maintain smart home systems and IoT devices.
3. Opening new markets in renewable energy and sustainable building technologies.
4. Enabling more sophisticated predictive maintenance services that tradespeople can offer.
5. Allowing smaller trade businesses to compete more effectively through AI-enhanced operations.

We have also created a free AI guide that you can use to help understand what AI is and how you can use it within your business.

AI integration in trade, such as plumbing, gas, and electrics, may actually increase earning potential for skilled tradespeople. As AI displaces workers in other sectors, the relative value of human-performed trade skills is likely to increase. Blue-collar wages are already growing faster than white-collar wages in many regions, a trend that may continue as AI makes further inroads into knowledge work. Tradespeople who embrace AI tools to enhance their productivity may see even greater earning potential.

Small trade business owners should view AI as an opportunity rather than a threat. Investing in AI will help to enhance and streamline services rather than replace workers. AI can help small businesses optimise operations, improve customer service, and compete more effectively with larger companies. Business owners should focus on strategically adopting AI tools that complement their human workforce.

Trade businesses can prepare for increasing AI integration by:

1. Investing in AI-powered tools that enhance productivity and service quality.
2. Training staff to work effectively with new technologies.
3. Developing a digital strategy that incorporates AI while maintaining human expertise.
4. Focusing on services that require human skills while letting AI handle routine tasks.
5. Staying informed about emerging technologies relevant to their specific trade.

Learning a trade will remain highly valuable despite AI advances. We think it will be one of the few industries that survive the longest. Trade skills continue to be in high demand, with significant shortages in many sectors. The combination of hands-on skills, problem-solving abilities, and increasing integration with technology makes trade education a sound investment for future career stability.

It depends on many factors and how deeply you want to delve into the topic, but yes, there is potential for AI to automate everything, including trades, in the future. But in the short to medium term, the trades will be more secure than most careers.

While robots are being used for some construction tasks, they are primarily handling repetitive, standardised work rather than the complex, variable tasks that skilled tradespeople perform. Current robotics technology struggles with the unpredictable environments and adaptive problem-solving required in most trade work. Even advanced robots require human oversight, programming, and maintenance, creating new roles rather than simply eliminating existing ones.

Not always. While some fields, such as medicine and engineering, require degrees, many office-based graduate roles are increasingly vulnerable to automation by AI. Skilled trades and vocational careers can offer greater job security, faster entry to the workforce, and lower debt.

Explore more details in Logic4training’s dedicated article: The Rise of AI – Should You Rethink Going to University?.