Skilled Trades report flags gaps and rollbacks
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released its annual State of the Skilled Trades report on 15 January 2026, setting out survey findings on artificial intelligence, labour shortages and concern about rollbacks in codes and standards.
The NFPA said the publication is intended to reflect workforce perspectives, sentiment and anticipated challenges for the year ahead.
Jim Pauley, President and CEO of NFPA, said: “For years, the skilled trades industry has been called ‘automation-proof,’ but AI isn’t here to replace the craft; it’s here to remove the friction,
“We can use technology to both streamline mundane tasks and deliver smarter, more personalized training, unlocking the efficiencies companies need and the upskilling opportunities employees deserve.
“Leaders must show clearly that both priorities are advancing together.”
The announcement also referenced an upgrade to NFPA LiNK, NFPA’s digital codes and standards platform.
It said the new version adds AI-powered capabilities, including CASI, described as an AI assistant trained on NFPA-sourced content.
NFPA said the full State of the Skilled Trades report can be accessed by completing a short form.
Skilled Trades survey shows expected AI impact alongside training preferences
In the State of the Skilled Trades report, NFPA reported results from a virtual survey of 512 U.S.-based workers aged 18 and older across sectors including electrical, manufacturing, construction, engineering, architect and design, facility maintenance, fire service, fire protection, inspection and AHJ, government, healthcare, industrial and education.
Sixty-eight per cent of respondents said AI and technological advancements will have a tangible impact on their work in 2026.
Thirty-eight per cent said technology advancements will reduce mundane tasks in 2026.
Thirty-seven per cent cited quick access to relevant information on the jobsite as a benefit of AI and technology upgrades.
Thirty-four per cent cited streamlining project management and communication as a benefit.
Thirty per cent identified resistance to change within the skilled trades industry as a primary barrier to adopting new technologies.
Thirty-four per cent cited the cost of implementing technology upgrades as a barrier.
Twenty-seven per cent cited a lack of training or knowledge of new technologies as a barrier.
Thirty-five per cent expected increased technology deployment to be their organisation’s top focus for the next year.
Twenty-six per cent wanted technology to be a primary focus.
Twenty-nine per cent preferred increased training for a more skilled workforce.
Twenty-one per cent preferred updating manual or outdated equipment.
Fifty-four per cent planned to take part in more training in the next year.
Thirty-eight per cent planned to sit for more certifications in the next year.
Seventeen per cent anticipated their organisations would prioritise training opportunities.
Skilled Trades findings highlight code rollback concerns and labour shortages
In the same report, NFPA reported increased awareness of codes and standards alongside continued concern about workforce capacity and retention.
Sixty-two per cent agreed in some capacity that their understanding of how building codes and standards affect their day-to-day lives increased in the past year.
Sixty-one per cent said they were aware of ongoing changes and deregulation efforts around codes and standards.
Thirty-five per cent said they were not yet feeling the impact of codes and standards deregulation in their industry.
Twenty-six per cent said they were currently experiencing the impact of codes and standards deregulation in their industry.
Respondents averaged a concern rating of 6.4 out of 10 when asked to rank concern about rollback of codes and standards compliance across the U.S.
Forty-one per cent said they had more conversations in 2025 with friends, family and colleagues about codes and standards.
Jim Pauley, President and CEO of NFPA, said: “Skilled professionals depend on codes and standards during every moment of their work.
“Having the right requirements in place at the right time is what protects workers, communities, and the built environment.
“This year’s survey shows growing unease, reinforcing that preserving—not rolling back—codes and standards must remain a top priority.”
Fifty-three per cent said a shortage of qualified candidates will be their biggest challenge at work in 2026.
The report described that figure as a 3 per cent increase from 2025 expectations.
Thirty-nine per cent cited workforce retention as a top challenge in 2026.
The report described that figure as up 8 per cent from 2025 data.
Thirty-three per cent cited a lack of knowledge sharing and collaboration on the jobsite.
Nineteen per cent anticipated their organisations would increase hiring or add jobs in the next year.
Nineteen per cent wanted their organisations focused on hiring.
Seventy-eight per cent reported membership of a professional organisation or trade association.
Forty-three per cent cited benefits from networking opportunities with industry professionals, plus professional development and training programmes.
Thirty-nine per cent valued access to industry resources and publications through memberships.
Thirty per cent cited advocacy around industry-related issues and regulations as an important membership benefit.