Geoffrey Hinton Advocates for Skilled Trades Over AI-Driven Job Risks
Geoffrey Hinton, a Nobel Prize-winning computer scientist known as "the Godfather of AI," stated on a recent podcast that skilled trades like plumbing are less vulnerable to AI advancements than white-collar jobs. He emphasized that manual labor roles, including plumbing, roofing, and hazardous material removal, are less at risk because they require hands-on expertise that AI cannot replicate. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growing trade job openings, especially as entry-level positions for college graduates decline. While AI advancements threaten certain roles like customer service and writing, skilled trades remain resilient due to the need for physical tasks and improvisation. A Goldman Sachs report suggests AI could displace 6-7% of the U.S. workforce, but the impact is likely transitory. Recent surveys indicate 42% of Gen Z college graduates are pursuing or working in skilled trades to avoid student debt and AI displacement risks. Experts warn that while robotics and AI are advancing, they cannot yet replace complex manual tasks, leaving skilled tradespeople as essential for tasks requiring physical interaction and adaptability.