Skilled Trades Turn to AI Amid Labor Shortages
The 2026 State of the Skilled Trades report from NFPA finds workers expect more AI on the job but want stronger training and protections as labor shortages persist.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Jan 15, 2026
Skilled trade professionals are increasingly looking to technology to help address persistent labor shortages, even as concerns grow over deregulation and the rollback of safety codes and standards, according to a new report from the National Fire Protection Association.
NFPA’s 2026 State of the Skilled Trades report finds that most workers expect the use of artificial intelligence to grow this year, but many say better training—not just more technology—should be a higher priority. The findings highlight a gap between what workers want and what they believe employers are focused on, as organizations push to deploy AI tools while struggling to recruit and retain qualified workers.
At the same time, the survey shows unease about changes to fire, life safety, and electrical codes. Sixty-one percent of respondents reported being aware of ongoing deregulation efforts affecting codes and standards, and more than a quarter stated that they are already experiencing negative impacts.
NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley said technology can help remove inefficiencies and support training, but warned that weakening codes and standards threatens worker and community safety. NFPA recently upgraded its digital codes platform, NFPA LiNK, adding AI-powered tools designed to improve access to standards and training resources.
The survey was conducted in late 2025 among more than 500 U.S. workers across construction, electrical, manufacturing, fire protection, and related fields.
Skilled Trades Look to AI for Relief Amid Workforce Gaps and Standards Uncertainty
A new NFPA report finds skilled workers expect increased use of AI in 2026, but want more training as labor shortages and codes and standards rollbacks raise concerns.
skilled trades workforce, NFPA report, labor shortages, artificial intelligence in construction, safety codes and standards, workforce training, deregulation concerns, fire safety standards, electrical safety, construction workforce trends
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.