While many studies point to how artificial intelligence (AI) is set to take numerous jobs across many fields today and in the future, a new study shows that some blue-collar careers may offer stability and job security against AI.
A report from ResumeCoach, researched the impact of AI on blue-collar jobs and compiled a list of the best blue-collar jobs and those predicted to be the most in demand in the future and AI-proof.
Job openings
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are significant jobs available in the construction and manufacturing sectors due to infrastructure projects — such as those from the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act — and real estate development. Of this, 350,000 jobs openings are available in the construction industry alone.
However, there will be a need for even more workers as the current skilled trade positions are aging out and looking to retirement. And there will be a need to fill these positions as AI will not be able to fill the roles of electricians, plumbers and truck drivers as well as restaurant and hotel staff.
In the next 10 years, ResumeCoach said there will be 1.7 million positions created in seven blue-collar jobs in the next 10 years. These include:
- Installation, maintenance and repair
- Farming, fishing and forestry
- Construction and extraction
- Production
- Building and grounds cleaning
- Transportation and material moving
- Food prep and serving
Not surprisingly, these jobs are also those that are higher in salary and safer than other jobs. Additionally, many of these jobs feature unions and are, for the most part, AI-proof.
Future blue-collar jobs
While traditional blue-collar jobs are not going anywhere, there are emerging jobs that may become more prominent in the future, particularly in tech-heavy blue-collar jobs that may require AI training.
“No matter how we define it [blue-collar work], here are a few things workers will need in the future: Digital literacy, [understanding] the use of data tools, and [gaining] industry certifications,” said Neil Khatod, chief information security officer for Hays Americas said in the report. “As software becomes more capable and building and fixing roles become more complex, people of all walks will need to understand how to use automation to perform their jobs.”
The first of these are sustainability jobs. As clean energy becomes more prominent in the world, AI-related certifications and training will become skills needed to land many of these emerging jobs that focus on sustainability. This will lead to the highest demand for blue-collar jobs in:
- Renewable energy
- Healthcare
- Production
- Installation
- Construction
For example. in 2024, wind turbine technicians are one of the fastest growing blue-collar jobs globally with a projected growth rate of 45%, according to BLS. Solar installations are also emerging as a high-value blue-collar job with a 22% growth expected this year.
Other emerging blue-collar jobs that are likely to grow in the future and expected to be AI-proof include: animal breeders; flight engineers; clock and watch repairers; waiters and waitresses; and farming, fishing and forestry occupations.
