What is driving uncertainty among skilled trades workers in institutional and commercial facilities? What avenues for progress are available to workers and employers? How can facilities leaders better align with their employees in the coming year?
These are among the topics addressed by the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) recently released annual State of the Skilled Trades report. The report highlights current workforce perspectives, sentiments and anticipated challenges as artificial intelligence (AI), deregulation and labor shortages remain pervasive industry concerns.
NFPA collected responses from 512 U.S.-based workers in electrical, manufacturing, construction, engineering, architect/design, facility maintenance, fire service, fire protection, inspection/AHJ, government, healthcare, industrial and education. Among the findings:
AI on the rise. Most skilled trade professionals anticipate significant growth in AI use throughout 2026, but many believe improved training should be a higher priority. This reveals an emerging disconnect between organizations’ priorities, which respondents anticipate being increased by AI and technology deployment and what workers want to see.
Concerns are especially high as a shortage of qualified candidates is expected to be an even bigger hurdle in 2026. But the data also reveals an opportunity for leaders to bring organizational ambitions and workforce expectations into closer alignment.
Compliance concerns. The skilled trades industry faces broader safety threats as fire, life and electrical codes and standards are continually challenged at the policy level. Skilled trade workers are concerned about the rollback of codes and standards. Sixty-one percent of respondents said they are aware of ongoing changes and deregulation efforts on codes and standards, and more than one-quarter said they are experiencing fallout from such changes.
Dan Hounsell is senior editor for the facilities market. He has more than 30 years of experience writing about facilities maintenance, engineering and management.
