In-Demand Skilled Trades to Learn

When I was at the Automate Show in Detroit a few weeks ago it felt like stepping into the future of manufacturing and construction. 🤖 One thing is clear: automation isn't eliminating jobs, it's transforming them. Manufacturers are increasingly looking for workers who can repair and maintain complex machinery and robotics, highlighting the growing demand for technical roles in the industry. In the next 2–5 years, here are some roles that will be in high demand: - Automation Technicians – the people who keep the machines running - Robotics Engineers & Integrators – designing and deploying the tech - Mechatronics Techs – think mechanical + electrical + coding - Industrial Data Analysts – turning machine data into smarter decisions - Cybersecurity (OT/Industrial) – keeping connected systems protected There's a real opportunity right now to upskill people already in trades and help them evolve with the tech. Local programs, trade schools, apprenticeships—these need support and partnership from industry if we want to meet the demand. And from a recruiter's seat, I can tell you - companies that invest in building these skillsets early are going to have a serious edge. Let's get ahead of it! Not sure where to start? Reach out and let's chat! #Automate2025 #FutureOfWork #WorkforceDevelopment #SkilledTrades #ManufacturingJobs #Recruiting

🚨 Parents: if you’re worried about AI stealing your kid’s future, you’re asking the wrong question. The real question is: Can AI replace what your kid does with their hands? I am asked at every conference I am keynoting..."What jobs are safe for my kids?" A recent Wall Street Journal article makes it clear: Trade schools in Massachusetts are flooded with demand. Waiting lists. Lotteries. No capacity left. 👉 Read it here: https://lnkd.in/ekvJbC4T Why is this happening? Because families are finally doing the math. 🔌 Electricians 🔧 Plumbers 🚗 Automotive & diesel techs 🏗️ Welders & builders 🩺 Skilled health tech roles These aren’t “backup plans.” They’re AI-resistant, high-income, high-demand careers — and we don’t have nearly enough people to fill them. Now the uncomfortable truth: • Skilled workers are retiring faster than we’re replacing them • We spent decades selling a single definition of success • Parents were told trades meant settling That story is over. Your kid doesn’t need a résumé that sounds impressive. They need skills that can’t be automated, outsourced, or prompt-engineered away. This isn’t anti-college. It’s pro-reality. Leaders, employers, educators — listen closely: 🛠 We need real apprenticeships 🛠 We need serious investment in trade pathways 🛠 We need to treat skilled labor as a strategic asset Parents — your job isn’t to chase status. It’s to help your child build leverage, independence, and joy in an AI-flattened world. AI will write essays. AI will generate code. AI will not rewire a building at 2 a.m. when the power goes out. That future belongs to people who can do things. And we need a lot more of them. 👊

EXCLUSIVE: Lowe’s is taking the demand for skilled trade workers to the fifth power. The home improvement giant is quintupling its foundation's investment in vocational training, committing $250 million over the next decade to train 250,000 plumbers, carpenters, electricians, and more. CEO Marvin Ellison told me with AI transforming so many white-collar roles, it's beginning to become both an economic and national security imperative to invest in blue-collar training—the work that can't be automated. “As powerful as AI will become, AI can't climb a ladder to change the batteries in your smoke detector; it can't change your furnace filter; it can't clean your dryer vent; it can't repair a hole on your roof.” The stakes are high. The U.S. will need 350,000 additional construction workers in 2026, rising to 450,000+ in 2027, according to the Associated Builders and Contractors. Fields like electricians, plumbers, and carpenters are facing similar shortages, even though the careers provide stability and six-figure salaries in reach. For Ellison, this issue is personal. While he pursued college, his brother became a welder, and he said for too long skilled trade careers like his brother’s have been treated as second-tier options. "We all, me included, need to do a better job of presenting skilled trades as rewarding, viable careers, not just backup plans,” Ellison added. As AI transforms the economy, the jobs that can’t be automated are looking more essential—and lucrative—than ever. My full Fortune piece can be found in the comments below 👇 #skilledtrades #jobs #construction #futureofwork

The people who keep our buildings running are some of the most valuable professionals in our business. Full stop. Skilled trades have always been critical to how we deliver for clients. What's changed is that the rest of the world is catching up to what we've long known. Demand for skilled trades is now growing faster than almost any other career category. Electrician roles are projected to grow 9.5% through 2034. HVAC technicians, 8.1%. That's roughly triple the average across all occupations. The AI buildout everyone is racing toward runs on data centers, power and cooling, and the skilled hands that build and maintain all of it. The pendulum is swinging. As AI reshapes work, more people are recognizing the trades for what they are: Durable, technology-empowered careers with real longevity. LiDAR scanning, smart building platforms, robotics….This is the next-generation profession the trades have quietly become. At JLL, we don't wait for the pipeline to fill itself. Our apprenticeship and training programs are how we secure the talent that keeps client facilities running at the highest standard. The shortage gets the headlines. The opportunity is what excites me. Who's investing in the next generation of trades talent?

While professionals compete intensely for positions in oversaturated markets, significant opportunities exist in industries experiencing critical talent shortages.   Three sectors currently offer exceptional employment prospects with minimal competition:   Skilled Trades: Far from outdated "blue collar" work, today's skilled trades represent "gold collar" opportunities.   Master electricians, specialized plumbers, and HVAC technicians command premium rates, often exceeding traditional white-collar salaries while enjoying strong job security and entrepreneurial potential.   Healthcare Support: The expanding healthcare sector requires extensive support infrastructure beyond physicians and nurses.   Medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, and healthcare coordinators offer stable career paths with advancement opportunities and meaningful work impact.   Cybersecurity & IT Support: Digital transformation has created urgent demand for cybersecurity specialists, help desk professionals, and network technicians.   These roles often provide excellent entry points into technology careers without requiring computer science degrees.   The strategic advantage lies in pursuing opportunities where market demand significantly outpaces candidate supply, rather than competing in oversaturated fields.   For professionals open to exploring alternative career paths, these industries offer immediate opportunities, competitive compensation, and long-term growth potential.   What other high-demand, low-competition industries have you observed in your market?   Sign up to my newsletter for more corporate insights and truths here: https://lnkd.in/ei_uQjju   #deepalivyas #eliterecruiter #recruiter #recruitment #jobsearch #corporate #skilledtrades #healthcare #cybersecurity #careerstrategist

A few weeks back, the CEO of Ford Motor Company shared that they have over 5,000 automotive technician jobs they cannot fill. Not because the jobs aren’t there. Because there aren’t enough people. And once you notice it, you see it everywhere. Yesterday, I was talking to a friend whose husband manages a fleet of snow plows. They currently have 18 trucks sitting idle. Not because it’s not snowing. Because they don’t have enough maintenance mechanics to fix them. My longtime plumber recently retired and closed his business. Completely. Why? His last plumber, a guy who’d been with him for 20 years, retired. He hasn’t had a single applicant in over five years. He couldn’t do all the work himself. So he shut the doors. Hospital beds sit empty. Not because there aren’t patients. Because there aren’t enough nurses, technicians, CNA's and maintenance people. Construction companies can’t find carpenters. A friend of mine owns a kitchen renovation business and pays his crew DOUBLE the industry average. Not because he wants to. Because he’s afraid of losing the people he already has. This isn’t a “people don’t want to work” issue. It’s a skills problem. A trade problem. A pipeline problem. We pushed an entire generation toward four-year degrees and quietly moved trades to the sidelines. Now we’re feeling it. The work is there. The demand is there. The pay is climbing. But the people aren’t. So I’m genuinely curious… If you’re having a hard time finding a job right now, would you consider learning a skilled or blue-collar trade? And if you have a kid getting ready for college, are you steering them toward a four-year degree… or actually talking about trades as a real option? Not as a fallback. Not as a plan B. As a smart, long-term path. Share your thoughts and if you've ever been personally impacted by this trend. #ResumeWriting #BlueCollarJobs #ShortagesEverywhere

As a recruiter, I get a front-row seat to the hiring drama in South Africa 🇿🇦—and let’s just say, companies aren’t shy about shouting for what they need. Here’s the reality check from countless interviews, urgent job orders, and the “do you know anyone?” calls I get every week: **#6 – SALES Growth-mode isn’t buzz—it’s survival. Companies will bend backwards for candidates who actually win new business and keep relationships thriving. Sales is the lifeblood, especially if you bring creative hustle (not just cold calls). **#5 – Cybersecurity Every client—from banks to small shops—wants peace of mind. Cyber skills mean you’re instantly valuable. If you can spot a weak password or defend against a phishing attempt, there’s a queue for your CV. **#4 – Logistics & Supply Chain With new trains, upgraded ports, and supply chain headaches, anyone who can keep goods moving smoothly will have recruiters knocking daily. Problem-solvers who thrive on complexity? Gold. **#3 – AI Skills. Most execs just want AI magic—but few understand it. If you speak code and business, and can help teams wrangle AI for actual results, you’re sought after (not just ChatGPT). **#2 – Electrical & Power Engineering We're seeing a surge for talent who can design, upgrade, and future-proof power grids. 14,000km of new lines planned—if you’re into voltage, your moment is now. **#1 – Renewable Energy & Solar Engineering. Solar is exploding. The market needs people who know how to build, install, and maintain green energy systems. Future-proof, impactful, and expanding fast. That’s what’s really moving the needle. If you’re thinking about switching careers or upskilling, trust the daily calls—I see these six skills pop up most. #RecruiterLife #SkillsInDemand #SouthAfrica #Sales #JobMarket #TalentTrends

Apprenticeship in the Trades vs College, let’s break some of the myths and talk about career options. After all, it is the time when many are looking ahead at what they will do in a few months after graduation or the end of their military contract, Not everyone wants to go to college, nor is college right for everyone. Crazy talk, I know. I think many believe/understand this but for the past few decades it has become the only way to succeed according to the ‘experts’. We might want to re-think who we have advising our youth on their career opportunities (my opinion). Trades are an important part of our everyday lives and offer in-demand, high-paying opportunities. If we fail to fill these roles, we will lose many of the things that we rely on daily. And unlike college, you do not create student debt and get paid while earning experience in your chosen field of study. Not to mention a high likelihood of employment at the end of the training. A common misunderstanding about trade careers is that they are all ‘Blue-collar’ roles and are for those individuals who are not smart enough to attend college. What a load of BS that is! Some trade careers to consider are: -         Air Traffic Controllers -         Nuclear Technicians -         Power Plant Operators, Dispatchers, & Distributors -         Radiation Therapists -         Dental Hygienists & Assistants -         Electrical Power-Line Installers & Repairers -         Aircraft & Avionics Equipment Mechanics & Technicians -         Radiologic & Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technicians -         Construction Equipment Operators -         Electrical & Electronic Engineering Technologist & Technicians -         Physical Therapy Assistants -         Computer Network Specialists -         Telecommunications Equipment Installers & Repairers -         Electricians -         Plumbers, Pipefitters, & Steamfitters -         Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, & Millwrights -         Paralegals & Legal Assistants -         Heating, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration Installers & Mechanics -         Diesel Service Technician & Mechanics -         Water & Wastewater Treatment Plant & System Operators -         Chefs & Head Cooks -         Automotive Service Technicians & Repairers -         Carpenters -         Welders, Cutters, & Brazers -         And many more By the way, all of these can be trained for in the different branches of the United States Armed Forces. I am not saying that going to college is bad, just not the best path for everyone. For example, I was not ready for college when I graduated high school. I joined the military, learned multiple trades, and later decided to earn my degree. Having both is a wonderful thing. Choose the right path for you. #Trades #SkilledTrades #CareerOptions #Careers #Apprenticeships #Vocations #BruceTalk

We glamorize people building tech and sleek online businesses. But deep competency in 2+ "unsexy" skills can be your ticket to financial freedom. Recently my gas line in Fairfax, Virginia, had some work done. But I could smell some gas escaping. The fitters tell me it’s fine, no problems. But, man, I can definitely still smell that gas … So I ring another fitter. He’s booked out for two weeks, but I plead. He comes and fixes it. I ask about business and he says: ”If you’re a licensed gas fitter in Fairfax, you can pretty much name your price, name your working hours, and you're going to make a ton of money.” He adds: "And if you can weld too? You're off to the races." Got me thinking about how not many kids aspire to a trade. But these are in-demand skills that’ll make youngsters more cash than pursuing DisneyLand Studies at university. I did my welding qualifications a while back, and saw young high school-educated folks get their certificate and enjoy $100k+ job offers. 3 reasons young folks shouldn’t overlook the trades: 1) High demand, low supply: Specialized trades often face worker shortages. 2) Stackable skills: Combining related skills (like gas fitting and welding) multiplies your value. 3) Entry barriers create pricing power: Licenses and certifications limit competition. Plus, it gives you a solid foundation for future ventures. Live frugally, stack that cash, develop your competence … maybe you start your own welding business 5 years down the line. Look for skill combinations that solve real problems. The sexiest skill of all is being indispensable when it really matters (Me and the young lad with a fallen peach tree we got back on its feet this weekend!)

Everyone is asking what AI will replace. It’s a wrong question. The right question is: what will AI make more valuable? The answer is obvious if you're paying attention. $7 trillion in data center construction by end of decade. Every dollar needs electricians. Plumbers. HVAC technicians. Skilled tradespeople. AI can't do any of it. We saw this coming. That's why we built Home Alliance Academy before the headlines caught up. Not because we were predicting the future. Because we were living the shortage. We couldn't find trained technicians. We couldn't scale without them. So we built a system to create them. 250+ video lessons. OSHA and EPA certifications. AI-integrated training. Real-world practice with active technicians. Flexible payment plans. Over 1,000 technicians trained. Some joined Home Alliance. Some launched their own businesses. $100,000+ annual income. Zero student debt. Zero 4-year degree. The skilled trades aren't a fallback. They're one of the most rational career paths, in the economy right now. The operators who figured that out early? They'll own the next decade. Training isn't a cost. It's a competitive advantage. *** P.S. If you know someone looking for a high-income career without student debt, send them here: homeallianceacademy.com ♻️ Repost if you think the future belongs to people who work with their hands. ➕ Follow Sardor Umrdinov for more on skilled trades and operator insights. P.S.: Do you think AI will make skilled trades more valuable or less valuable?