TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A June local job bank survey revealed that 89.6% of employees worry AI might replace their jobs. However, skilled trade jobs face lower risks of automation, attracting Generation Z youths to this field, where learning trades like carpentry, plumbing, and renovation are becoming increasingly popular.
Renovation expert Andy, 33, has worked in the industry for seven years. He believes AI will not easily replace skilled trade jobs soon. However, Carol Hsieh (謝宜君), an instructor from the “Asia Designers Association” (亞洲設計師協會) in Taiwan, noted that the nation’s severe labor shortage has led to some trades facing skill gaps.
"AI is gradually replacing some white-collar jobs, leading young people to see more opportunities in skilled trade jobs, which offers better and more stable income," she said.
Vocational training programs now offer furniture-making, carpentry, and construction courses, moving beyond traditional apprenticeship models. These programs allow students to acquire skills without spending three to five years under a master artisan. After passing assessments, students can start taking projects or launching businesses, with the associations providing guidance.
Nowadays, these flexible programs attract many of the younger generation. A renovation association reported that over 40% of trainees this year are under 35, with the age range steadily decreasing.
This trend also extends beyond Taiwan. A 2024 report by The Wall Street Journal indicated a 16% increase in vocational training course enrollments in 2023, the highest since 2018. Amid the AI wave, the technical nature of skilled trade jobs makes them an attractive option for Generation Z.
As AI transforms the job market, the growing interest in skilled trade jobs offers a promising path for young people seeking stable and rewarding careers.