New research findings from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reveal trends and attitudes about digital tools, training and development, and AI implementation within the skilled trades industry.

More than 170 industry professionals at the NFPA 2024 Conference & Expo informed the survey, which found that while skilled trade workers have mixed feelings about AI adoption within the industry, utilization of digital tools is positively impacting training and development programs.

Among the findings:

• Twenty-five percent of respondents believe AI should be used to help skilled trade workers streamline tasks during ongoing labor shortages.
• Nearly one-half (47 percent) of respondents revealed they are not currently leveraging AI in their day-to-day work and are skeptical of it.
• A majority of respondents (82 percent) use digital tools daily to help streamline training and development programs, with most noting that the tools make training easier, save time while training, and streamline the process of conducting trainings.

The findings also revealed challenges in advancing training and development programs, with a majority of respondents (70 percent) citing lack of time as the biggest barrier. Among other issues, there is a lack of access to qualified instructors and knowledge about which trainings are needed to maintain professional licenses.

Access more information about the findings via NFPA’s news release.