Young people turn to trades, but firms do not advertise enough apprenticeships
A Checkatrade survey finds that 80% of 16–25-year-olds worry that AI threatens office work, yet trade firms are not opening enough apprenticeship places to absorb the interest. Other analyses say the real risk is the erosion of the apprenticeship pipeline.
Who is affected and how
- early-career professional
- A trade career looks AI-proof, but apprenticeship places are a bottleneck, so training providers should be sought early.
- SME owner
- Small trade businesses can build their succession pipeline by taking on apprentices while the supply of applicants grows.
- HR professional
- Expanding apprenticeship and internship programmes can give a competitive edge in attracting young talent.
Sources
- AI-proof? Younger workers desert the digital world for traditional craftsthe guardian · Aug 27, 2026
- AI-proof? Younger workers desert the digital world for traditional crafts | Work & careers | The Guardiantheguardian.com · Aug 27, 2026
- Are younger workers leaving the digital realm for traditional crafts? — AI News | AIVERSEtryaiverse.com · Aug 27, 2026
- AI-proof? Younger workers desert the digital world for traditional crafts - AiNews247ainews247.org · Aug 28, 2026
- Young people turn to trades over AI job security fearsresultsense.com · Aug 24, 2026
- Young Americans Just Turned Against AI Over Job Fearssmarterx.ai · Aug 25, 2026
- 81 AI Job Replacement Statistics 2026 (New Reports)everydayteching.io · Aug 24, 2026
- AI Job Displacement Statistics: The Real 2026 Numbersglobehustle.co.uk · Aug 26, 2026
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