Monday, August 18, 2025

Blue-Collar Careers on the Rise as AI Reshapes Office Employment

In a recent podcast, AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton emphasized the value of skilled trades, advising young people to pursue careers like plumbing, which offer long-term job security in the face of advancing AI technology. Hinton, a Nobel Prize-winning computer scientist, argues that manual labor jobs are less vulnerable to automation compared to roles traditionally seen as prestigious, such as legal assistants. A report from Microsoft identified jobs at risk from AI, including interpreters and customer service representatives, while trades like roofing and hazardous material removal remain secure. Data shows a growing trend among Gen Z towards skilled trades, driven by concerns over student debt and AI’s impact on white-collar positions. With predictions suggesting AI could displace 6-7% of the workforce, opportunities in trades are on the rise. Experts note that while robotics and AI are advancing, the gap between technology and human-like proficiency remains wide, sustaining the need for skilled workers in various industries.

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