In an era increasingly defined by automation and artificial intelligence, a significant shift is occurring in the labor market. CNBC's report highlights how skilled trades are emerging as resilient and promising career paths, particularly for women. As AI continues to automate tasks across various industries, jobs requiring manual dexterity, problem-solving, and on-site presence are proving to be more resistant to displacement. The video features insights from career experts and individuals working in trades, underscoring the opportunities and challenges within these sectors.
Expert Perspectives on AI and the Future of Work
Jessica Dickler, a Personal Finance Reporter for CNBC, introduces the segment by framing the current economic climate. She points out that while corporate America is experiencing layoffs, skilled trades are facing a shortage of workers due to an aging workforce. This demographic shift, coupled with the increasing demand for essential services, creates a fertile ground for those entering these fields.
Lilian Hollabaugh, an HVAC Installation Technician, emphasizes the human-centric nature of her work, stating, "Trade jobs are never going to be technology based. They're going to be human based." Her sentiment is echoed by others who highlight the irreplaceable value of human skills in these roles.
Rahm Emanuel, former Mayor of Chicago, discusses the broader economic implications, noting that in major industries, there's a significant challenge in finding skilled workers. This shortage, he suggests, creates opportunities, particularly for women, to fill these critical roles and contribute to economic growth.
The Rise of Women in Skilled Trades
The video presents data illustrating a notable increase in the number of women working as electricians and carpenters in the U.S. over the past two decades. Between 2006 and 2026, the number of women electricians is projected to grow by 32%, from 10.4 million to 13.24 million. Similarly, the number of women carpenters has seen a 17% increase over the same period, rising from 26 million to 30.5 million. Despite this growth, women still represent a relatively small percentage of the overall workforce in these trades, with only 3.5% of U.S. electricians and 3.1% of carpenters and plumbers being women as of 2025.
Beth Berendsen, Policy Director at Chicago Women in Trades, elaborates on the training and support provided to women entering these fields. She highlights that many women are drawn to trades for job stability, higher wages, and benefits that are increasingly scarce in other sectors. "The economic stability that's offered in union construction trades... is a great thing," Berendsen states, pointing out that trades often provide benefits like pensions and health insurance, which are becoming rarities in the modern economy.
Opportunities and Challenges
The video suggests that the skills gap and the retirement of experienced workers are creating substantial demand for new talent in the trades. Projections estimate that the construction industry alone will need to hire 350,000 new workers in 2026 and 456,000 in 2027 to meet labor demand. This presents a significant opportunity for women to enter fields that offer not only good pay but also a clear path for career advancement.
However, challenges persist. Lilian Hollabaugh notes that she was the only woman when she started her HVAC training, and Teagan Hollabaugh, a Heavy-Duty Diesel Mechanic, recounts interviewing with nearly 13 companies before finding a field position, with many initially offering her office roles instead. Berendsen further points out that women on construction sites can face disproportionate experiences of harassment and discrimination, which can lead to higher turnover rates. She emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues to ensure women can thrive and advance in these careers, stating, "Women are not just looking to fill a gap, they want to have careers and they want to be able to advance."
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
The report delves into the economic advantages of pursuing skilled trades. Data from Gusto indicates that average hourly wages for skilled trades workers grew by 25.4% between 2019 and 2024, outpacing inflation. Specifically, plumbing and HVAC saw a 30.3% wage increase, automotive repair 28.8%, and electrical contractors 23%. This financial stability, combined with the potential for career growth and the absence of significant student loan debt often associated with four-year degrees, makes trades an attractive alternative for many.
The video also touches on the broader economic impact of women's participation in the workforce. Studies show that women's discretionary spending growth has consistently outpaced men's in recent years. By encouraging more women to enter the trades and supporting their retention, the economy can benefit from increased consumer spending and a more robust labor market.
Government initiatives, such as the Biden administration's "Million Women in Construction" pledge, aim to address these opportunities by increasing women's access to training, jobs, and leadership roles. These efforts are crucial, as excluding half the population from these growing sectors would be a significant missed economic opportunity.
Addressing the "Retirement Cliff"
The skilled trades sector is facing a significant demographic challenge known as the "retirement cliff." As a large cohort of experienced workers, many of whom are baby boomers, retire, there is a growing demand for new workers to fill the void. The construction industry, for example, is projected to need 350,000 new workers in 2026 and 456,000 in 2027. This looming shortage underscores the urgency of attracting and retaining talent, making the inclusion of women a strategic imperative for the industry's future.
Ed Ussack, Lead Electrical Faculty at Rosedale Technical College, shares his experience with students who, after completing college degrees, found themselves unemployed or dissatisfied, ultimately turning to technical training. He notes, "There's plenty of trade work out there." This sentiment highlights the consistent demand for skilled tradespeople, regardless of economic fluctuations that might impact other sectors.
The video concludes by emphasizing that while challenges such as harassment and discrimination exist, the opportunities for financial stability, career growth, and meaningful work in the skilled trades are substantial. By actively working to create more inclusive environments and providing equitable access to training and opportunities, the trades can become a powerful engine for economic empowerment for women and a vital solution to the nation's workforce needs.
