Amid Workforce Shortages, Skilled Trades Seek Technology Enhancements and Training

Skilled Workers Embrace Technology with Training Emphasis

The latest report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reveals significant insights into the perspectives of skilled trade professionals as 2026 approaches. The report highlights the ongoing challenges posed by workforce shortages, the rising influence of artificial intelligence (AI), and the rollback of essential codes and standards that govern safety practices across various sectors.

Workforce Sentiments on AI and Technology

Most skilled trade workers anticipate a notable increase in AI implementation in their respective fields. However, there is a clear indication that they prefer this technological advancement to be coupled with enhanced training programs. The disconnect is palpable; while organizations seem focused on deploying more AI tools, employees feel that priority should lean towards equipping them with the necessary skills to adapt and thrive in this evolving landscape.

Jim Pauley, President and CEO of the NFPA, emphasized that AI should not be viewed as a replacement for skilled labor but rather as a tool to alleviate mundane tasks. This sentiment underscores the need for a more harmonious relationship between technology deployment and employee training, ensuring that both are prioritized in tandem. “For years, the skilled trades industry has been dubbed 'automation-proof,'” Pauley noted, “but we now recognize that technology can enhance workflows while facilitating upskilling opportunities.”

To illustrate this commitment to progress, the NFPA recently rolled out an updated version of NFPA LiNK®, its digital platform for codes and standards, which now features advanced AI capabilities, exemplifying a proactive approach in addressing worker needs.

Concerns Over Codes and Standards Rollback

The skilled trades sector is also grappling with significant anxiety regarding ongoing changes to fire, life safety, and electrical codes and standards at the policy level. Alarmingly, 61% of survey respondents expressed awareness of these deregulation efforts, and more than 25% indicated that they have felt direct consequences from such changes.

“Codes and standards are integral to the safety and security of both professionals and the communities they serve,” Pauley stated, reinforcing the idea that protecting these essential guidelines should be a priority amidst the current climate of uncertainty. The erosion of these codes not only threatens the integrity of safety practices but also jeopardizes the livelihoods of skilled workers who rely on these standards to navigate their daily responsibilities.