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Seeking Employment? Consider Mastering a Skilled Trade.

AI now demonstrates proficiency in routine white-collar jobs, yet falls short in executing intricate physical tasks. Consequently, fresh graduates and early-career professionals are gravitating towards manual labor jobs, as entry-level tech roles are increasingly being automated.

If You're Job-Hunting, Consider Acquiring a Skill Trade.
If You're Job-Hunting, Consider Acquiring a Skill Trade.

Seeking Employment? Consider Mastering a Skilled Trade.

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, the robotics industry has been a significant player, revolutionizing various sectors. However, its performance outside of China has been less than stellar, hindering AI's ability to take on more physical labour tasks.

This shift in the technological landscape has sparked a reconsideration of traditional career paths. A recent Microsoft survey has confirmed that jobs such as customer service representatives, sales representatives, various types of writers, and junior developers are most threatened by AI-driven automation.

As AI disrupts more industries, blue-collar professions are gaining traction, thanks to decent salaries and rising demand. This shift is so profound that it's driving more young people to favour the trades over college. The U.S., in particular, is racing to fill roles in places like data centers and manufacturing facilities.

The U.S. is not alone in this trend. The country is experiencing shortages in the skilled trades, leading many employers to offer a slate of benefits to attract new recruits. Even the U.S. Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, views robots as crucial to the U.S. revitalizing its manufacturing sector.

However, it's not all smooth sailing. AI is automating aspects of the skilled trades, slowly making them obsolete. This has led to a narrative where going to college for a reliable career is no longer holding in the age of AI. As AI automates entry-level tech jobs, they become harder to find.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Professions most threatened by AI in the coming years include office clerks and routine administrative roles, but they may still retain some resilience due to the need for complex problem-solving and interpersonal skills. Trades and skilled crafts face pressure but could remain resilient with targeted retraining and adaptation to AI tools.

Some organizations offer retraining programs to help employees move into other roles in the face of automation. Completing AI certifications and machine learning bootcamps can also be beneficial as AI becomes an integral part of everyday workflows.

The trades have become more appealing for college graduates and younger professionals seeking stable career options. Many vocational schools, community colleges, and specialized trade schools have education programs with an apprenticeship component. Achieving all necessary certifications and licenses for your chosen trade is essential in this new landscape.

The race to automate industries like construction and manufacturing is on, with companies like Tesla and Figure AI leading the charge. Yet, the fear of AI impacting careers is also driving a resurgence in the trades, offering a new path for those seeking stability in an uncertain world. Trump's tariffs may encourage companies to invest more in automation as a cost-saving measure, but the demand for skilled labour in the trades remains strong.

In this new era, the trades are not just about manual labour; they are about innovation and adaptation. As AI continues to reshape the world of work, the trades offer a stable, rewarding, and fulfilling career path for those ready to embrace the change.

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