The world is rapidly changing, and automation takes center stage. With technological advancements today, there is fear that robots will take over humans’ jobs in many sectors.” Nonetheless, there are some jobs that robots or AI are less likely to take up than others. Skilled trades jobs, for example, are recommended alternatives for anyone who wants a career with low automation risk.
Let’s explore six skilled trade jobs in the US that are less likely to be automated, along with data highlighting their demand and growth potential.
Why Skilled Trades?
Skilled trades are typically acquired through apprenticeships or vocational training programs. Often, these occupations consist of:
- Many top-paying skilled trades jobs have customer interaction, which is essential for building solid client connections.
- Adapting to the unpredictable and providing new solutions in these fields calls for critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Manual dexterity: an ability to use tools or handle things carefully, which requires a lot of skill and is very hard for robots.
Jobs With Less Risk Of Automation
Now, let’s delve into the specific top-skilled trades in demand with lower automation risk:
1. Plumbers, Pipefitters, And Steamfitters:
2. Heating, Air Conditioning, And Refrigeration Mechanics And Installers (HVACR):
- The BLS predicts that HVACR technician job growth will be 3% from 2022 until 2032, above the median.
- Specific diagnostics might be automated. However, human judgment is still necessary to build sophisticated heating and air conditioning systems, maintain them, and troubleshoot when they do not function properly. Enrolling in trade school programs for HVACR technicians can be an excellent decision.
3. Electricians:
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 6% increase in electrician roles between 2022 and 2032, which is above-average growth.
- Electrical installation is risky for robots because they must understand building codes and adapt to various environments. Hence, they cannot replace electricians in total capacity, making it one of the highest-paying trade jobs [BLS, Occupational Outlook Handbook].
4. Sheet Metal Workers:
- Sheet metal workers are also on the list of top-paying skilled trades jobs. The BLS expects stable growth for sheet metal workers by 2022-2032, as is customary with other jobs. There are about 11,400 job openings for metal workers every year.
- On the one hand, there is no question that automation will be involved in cutting metal sheets using machines, but on the other hand, there is an issue when it comes to cutting shapes and fitting pieces into specific designs since these tasks demand a lot of creativity and intelligence [BLS, Occupational Outlook Handbook].
5. Welders, Cutters, And Brazers:
- The BLS anticipates that jobs for welders, cutters, and brazers will grow by 1% from 2022 to 2032 [BLS, Occupational Outlook Handbook].
- However, welding in intricate settings with meticulous requirements often requires human proficiency and skill. Welding, cutters, and brazers require more than a touch of automation, so they are also considered the top skilled trades in demand.
6. Carpenters:
- The number of job opportunities for carpenters is likely to increase by 2% from 2022 through 2032, as projected by BLS, which is lower than the projected average rate [BLS, Occupational Outlook Handbook].
- This can be due to pre-cut and pre-drilled pieces and parts; however, qualified carpenters are still necessary for construction involving custom work or reconstruction.
Beyond Job Security: The Advantages Of Skilled Trades
The lower automation risk is just one benefit of skilled trades careers. Here are some additional advantages:
- Competition compensation: In May 2023, the median annual salary for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $61,550. HVACR technicians made a median yearly salary of $57,300, making this one of the highest-paying trade jobs. This is good compared to the nationwide median wage of $$48,060 spent in May 2023 [BLS, National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates].
- Freedom to build: The pleasure of doing, constructing, or repairing things with your hands is found in expert work in light professions. Achieving a desired status from work based on reality gives substantial satisfaction to one’s eyes.
- Long-term demand: Because of old building systems and the inflow of people, skilled trades would continue to demand long-term jobs and expansion.
Skilled Trades Offer Stable Ground
Even though automation is an incredible power, skilled trade jobs in Philadelphia will stay on stable grounds. These trade jobs demand hands-on skills and offer fewer chances of computerized work. Robotic technologies cannot replace people in understanding things and talking to people. Combined with competitive pay, job satisfaction, and job security, these qualities make skilled trade jobs a convincing choice for those who want such a career. Moreover, skilled trades are dynamic. Instead, the continuous improvement of technology and embracing any learning opportunity will lead to real-time achievement.
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