While concerns about AI replacing jobs are prevalent across industries, skilled trades professionals report feeling secure. According to Angi’s “Skilled Trades in America Report,” a staggering 90% of tradespeople are satisfied with their careers, a number that has grown since the pandemic. This high level of satisfaction stands out when compared to other industries. The report highlights a trend that stands in stark contrast to anxieties in many sectors: exceptionally high job satisfaction in the skilled trades industry.

Key findings from the Report:

Safe from AI

While new AI technology is expected to disrupt many industries, 65% of surveyed pros believe that their job in the trade labor market is safe from being threatened by AI while only 11% have concerns.

Job satisfaction

Job satisfaction in the trades remains remarkably high, with nearly 90% of tradespeople satisfied with their choice of work, increasing from 83% since the pandemic. Pros cited finding meaning and value in their work, the overall compensation and flexible work hours.

Labor shortage woes

Over 66% of pros agree that they would be able to grow their business if they could find more quality skilled workers, and nearly 40% of pros said they could not find employees to fill open positions. In order to attract employees, pros said they were offering incentives like health insurance, above average wages, and flexible work schedules.

Younger generation outlook

Nearly 70% of tradespeople view the labor shortage as a problem vs. 77% since the pandemic. Workers aged 25-44 tend to be more optimistic about the future of the shortage, yet they are more likely to say younger people are not joining the trades due to stigmas surrounding trade roles.

Solutions

Pros cited the top two reasons for scant entrants to these fields as a lack of exposure to trade careers paths in high school and historical stigma. Sixty-five percent of pros said increased investment in high school trade preparation programs would help address this; 54% felt more should be invested in trade schools.

The report also identifies a pressing challenge—skilled labor shortage impacting the industry. To address this gap, Angi has launched the Angi Trade Up Initiatives, a comprehensive program designed to attract new talent to the trades.