A fifth of people consider retraining in skilled trades: study

The threat of AI and 44% of workers reporting career dissatisfaction are pushing the working population to choose a career in the trades

A new report, released by MyBuilder.com, shows that more than a fifth of people are considering retraining in the skilled trades sector, as fears around AI affecting jobs rise and job dissatisfaction grows.

After conducting a study last year on attitudes around the trades as a vocation, the platform ran a further survey this month to ascertain whether attitudes were beginning to change.

 The results are encouraging. While a fifth of all those asked stated they had considered retraining as plumbers, electricians, or other skilled trades, in the younger demographic, this rose to 34%.

The industry has historically struggled to recruit women, and while female respondents were still slightly less likely to consider the trades than male respondents, a promising 19% said they had considered retraining in this sector.

Most Brits know that the skill shortage is an issue, with 65% agreeing there is a known shortage. However, this was less well known among 18-34-year-olds, with just over half (54%) stating they were aware.

Over a third (37%) of people asked stated they were unsatisfied with their current job roles. This rose to 43% in the 35-54-year-old group, a demographic that was also most concerned about AI replacing their job roles.

The rising use of AI in many industries has shone a positive spotlight on skilled trades, which cannot be replaced in this way and can offer longevity in a career where others may be threatened.

AI was revealed as a big concern for many Brits regarding their current careers. The study showed that 50% of men and 46% of women asked were worried about the impact AI would have on their jobs.

Brits in the North West were the most concerned about this problem, with nearly two-thirds (62%) stating they had concerns about how AI would affect their current job roles.

This concern, however, grew further when people considered the impact AI might have on their future careers. More than half of all those asked (51%) were worried about how AI would affect their future career opportunities, and this number rose to 62% of those aged 18-34. 

Andy Simms, from MyBuilder.com, said that so many people were considering retraining in the skilled trades was very encouraging news.

“Our new research suggests that more people are now considering the skilled trades as a great option for their career. However, we continue to call on the Government, schools, and colleges to push the industry as a great vocation for young adults, so this momentum continues.”