THE GROWING IMPACT OF AI ON TRADES: A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the game across industries worldwide, and the trades are no exception. It’s helping us work smarter and more efficiently. Think about it—AI tools are already streamlining operations by automating routine tasks like scheduling, project management, diagnostics, and more. The growing impact of AI on the trades is this: These chores that used to eat up a lot of time? Now, they’re handled faster and more accurately, which means tradespeople can focus more on the craft itself. It’s a shift that boosts productivity, sure, but it also means we’re providing better service, faster estimates, real-time updates, more accurate bids, and greater transparency. AI is giving us the tools to deliver higher-quality work, doing what we do best—only smarter and more effectively than ever before. But here’s the question, does that mean AI will eventually take over our jobs in the trade?

Well, despite all the progress, I honestly don’t think so. Because at the end of the day, certain skills are just beyond what AI can handle—at least, for now. Trades like electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, and HVAC rely heavily on dexterity, good judgment, and problem-solving in unpredictable environments. These are things AI and robots simply can’t replicate yet. Tasks that need fine motor control, adaptability, and that personal touch? Those are fundamentally human skills. That’s what is going to keep tradespeople essential.

And honestly, this teamwork between AI and human skills is a pretty good thing. It frees us up to focus on the parts of our work that really add value—the complex, creative, and judgment-heavy aspects—while technology takes care of the repetitive stuff. It’s making the entire industry more efficient and resilient. Plus, demand for skilled trades is steady—whether it’s infrastructure, renovations, or routine maintenance—and that means job stability.

Investors and private equity firms are noticing, too. They see that the trades play a critical role in society, and they’re betting on its long-term growth. Sure, some, like Fiske, choose to pursue different paths, but overall, the confidence in our industry remains high. The outlook for the future is promising, partly because of that stability and partly because of the ongoing innovations that support us.

So, if you’re thinking about your career, here’s the bottom line: the combo of advancing technology and the unique skills of tradespeople makes this industry not just secure, but future-proof. As AI keeps evolving and supporting all industries, the physical, creative, and judgment-based work involved in trades will stay just out of reach of full automation. That means tradespeople will always be needed—not only for stability and job security but for the personal fulfillment that comes from physically building, fixing, and making a difference. With the industry’s resilience, continuous innovation, and the invaluable human element, a career in the trades is poised to remain rewarding and relevant for a long time to come.