The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recently released an industry survey revealing how tradespeople are viewing industry changes and sentiments on where their fields are headed, amid continual labor shortages and growing demands driven by infrastructure investment and technological advancements.

When it comes to AI and digital tools, a majority (95%) of respondents believe that AI “has a purpose in at least some day-to-day job functions” in the skilled trades. More than half (64%) of respondents have also noticed an improvement in workflows and collaboration among their teams since implementing digital tools.

Findings show that training remains important to industry professionals: 78% of skilled workers participate in at least one NFPA training and development program a year. Yet despite the appetite for training, challenges and barriers include: lack of time for participation (35%), high costs (30%), lack of access to a qualified instructor (24%), and challenges determining the right training opportunities (23%).

Skilled trade workers also see value in professional memberships: more than half of the surveyed workers said that they leverage the association’s membership offerings, including networking and continuing education opportunities.

To that end, certifications are on the decline: 60% percent of respondents held a certification from a professional organization, down from 74% in the 2024 survey. “This potential disconnect suggests a need for stronger alignment between workforce goals and organizational expectations, particularly as certifications grow in importance for career advancement,” the organization reported.

Access more information on NFPA’s survey, conducted at the NFPA 2025 Conference & Expo, a conference for fire, electrical, and life safety professionals.