A recent report from Goldman Sachs suggests that over 300 million full-time jobs are threatened by AI automation, especially in advanced economies like the US and Europe. These labor market disruptions are expected to transform workflows and increase global GDP. However, these technological gains will undoubtedly replace a portion of human workers with machines. As this scenario becomes more of a concern for white-collar workers, society should reconsider what is the safest and most fulfilling career for them.
Electricians, plumbers, and auto mechanics–a few examples of blue-collar jobs–are becoming a viable alternative for many workers. Rising pay and demand suggest that these fields may be a safer bet as generative AI takes hold in the business world. However, many young people are discouraged from pursuing skilled trade work because of historical biases, which label it dirty, low-paying work compared to office positions. Lincoln Tech, a career training institute with over 75 years of experience teaching skilled trades, argues that this shift to blue-collar work has been long coming.
“Even before AI became a threat, young people have lost their trust in the traditional education system,” says CEO of Lincoln Tech, Scott Shaw. “Sometimes, these learning environments aren’t conducive to their success, and in other cases, certain students would rather have hands-on careers that white-collar positions can’t offer. Skilled tradespeople are in high demand, and AI is much less likely to take over their work. Therefore, students can benefit from considering this option.”
For several reasons, blue-collar jobs and skilled trades are increasingly recognized as AI-proof careers worth pursuing. Research shows that less than 1% of tasks performed by blue-collar workers can be automated by generative AI, compared to up to 35% of white-collar activities. The increasing demand for skilled tradespeople safeguards it against AI replacement. An aging workforce and a significant decline in vocational training programs have shrunk the talent pool for these fields, creating labor shortages. Those entering the trades may find work easier than in other sectors since fields like plumbing, electrical, and construction are desperate for skilled workers.
A major overlooked benefit of blue-collar work is its economic security. Skilled trades offer competitive salaries and benefits and usually require less schooling than white-collar jobs. As a result, students can enter the workforce with less debt and access six-figure incomes much faster. Those with advanced in-demand skills can receive even higher wages despite limited experience, with one WSJ article highlighting this further.
Finally, many blue-collar jobs are less vulnerable to economic downturns because of their essential nature. Plumbing, electrical work, and construction are key for a healthy economy, making it vital for more professionals to enter the field.
Gen Z workers fed up with the hyper-competitive job market and economic challenges, are pursuing blue-collar careers more than ever. This ‘toolbelt generation’ is taking heed of AI concerns, hedging their bets against technology by choosing careers they love and are more likely to find stability in.
The leading career training institute, Lincoln Tech, supports this movement for people of all ages. The educational pioneer has empowered students since 1946 to jumpstart careers in automotive, healthcare, and skilled trades, including welding, computerized manufacturing, HVAC, and electronics. Lincoln Tech’s roots stem back to post-WW2 when returning soldiers were eager to build careers. With limited openings and varying salaries, blue-collar work became a high-demand sector in which anyone could excel. Lincoln Tech carried its passion for these practical positions over the next seven decades, evolving to support student success.
Lincoln Tech collaborates with industry leaders and curriculum audits twice yearly to pinpoint where they could incorporate in-demand skills. Now a publicly listed company with over 22 campuses throughout the US, Lincoln Tech’s impact on education is impressive. The career training institute has remained determined to educate students to the highest standards and spark healthy discussions about the value of blue-collar careers.
AI’s presence in corporate America is expected to grow dramatically by the decade’s end. Alongside these changes, how workers and students view their career prospects will shift. Rather than perpetuating historic skill gaps and employee dissatisfaction, Lincoln Tech and other educational institutions advocate for people to reconsider what benefits blue-collar work may offer them in the modern age.
Published by: Martin De Juan
