The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries, with some fields like office support and legal roles facing significant disruption. However, the construction industry, particularly union carpenters, remains resilient due to its reliance on skilled labor that AI cannot easily replace. Union carpenters benefit from robust training programs, such as the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters’ four-year apprenticeship, which ensures workers stay updated with evolving technologies and skills. With ongoing efforts to recruit diverse talent and address labor shortages, union carpentry offers a secure and rewarding career path amidst the challenges posed by AI.
From The Philadelphia Business Journal:
What keeps union carpenters relevant in this changing work environment is the amount of training and continuing education courses available to remain current. The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters has a comprehensive four-year training program comprising classroom learning and on-the-job instruction. Courses range from construction math and geometry to infection containment risk assessment and new construction technologies.
While the impending impact of AI might cause concern in some industries, those who join the ranks of union carpenters and other trades can look forward to a secure future with good wages, pensions and access to continued training as the need for new skills arises.
In the end, those who will benefit the most from the AI juggernaut just might be individuals who secure their future job prospects by entering the construction industry alongside union carpenters and other trades now — before the AI hammer strikes them.
