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Digital Tools and AI: Trends and Challenges for Skilled Trades Workers in 2024
Insights gathered from the NFPA 2024 Conference & Expo® highlight the evolving role of digital tools and AI in skilled trades. Survey responses from 171 professionals in various fields, including electrical, construction, engineering, and fire service, reveal a mix of optimism and skepticism about these emerging technologies, along with an increased focus on training and development.AI Adoption: Mixed Opinions Among Skilled Trade Workers
The survey shows that 25% of respondents see potential in AI to streamline tasks amid labor shortages, with 19% already exploring AI-powered solutions. A notable 31% believe AI could make the trades more appealing to younger generations, helping to address workforce gaps.However, nearly half (47%) of the respondents remain skeptical of AI and are not using it in their daily work. Only 8% believe AI offers no benefits to the fire and life safety industry. Despite these reservations, some respondents cited AI’s potential in acting as a "personal assistant" for on-the-go learning (13%), automating manual processes (12%), and enhancing training through virtual reality (8%).
Digital Tools Transform Training and Development
Digital tools are widely embraced, with 82% of respondents using them daily to improve training and development programs. Key benefits include simplifying training (98%), saving time (94%), and streamlining processes (95%).However, challenges persist. Collaboration, identified as the top hurdle in leveraging digital tools, surged from 29% in 2023 to 69% in 2024. Other difficulties include inspection processes (51%) and the growing complexity of projects (46%).
NFPA Training Programs: Broad Participation, Persistent Barriers
A majority (85%) of industry professionals take part in at least one NFPA training annually, with 18% engaging in training twice a year. Popular NFPA resources include print publications (66%), NFPA memberships (61%), and NFPA LiNK® (51%).Despite high participation, barriers to advancing training programs remain significant. Lack of time was the most cited obstacle (70%), followed by challenges in accessing qualified instructors (48%) and identifying the right training (41%). Additionally, the skilled labor gap has limited career advancement opportunities for 19% of respondents and negatively impacted recruitment and retention for 38%. In some cases, 14% of respondents have had to decline projects due to labor shortages.