Google and Ford are investing in trading as artificial intelligence takes over office roles.

      The four companies announced the Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades on Tuesday, citing a labor shortage as their primary concern. The underlying message is quite evident.

      The statistics behind it

      Employers are struggling to find sufficient electricians, technicians, and builders. The alliance estimates there will be 2.1 million unfilled skilled-trade positions by 2030, spanning manufacturing, infrastructure, and energy sectors. It predicts a need for an additional 130,000 electrical workers by 2030 and over 350,000 auto technicians by 2029.

      The founders assert that they have already supported skilled workforce programs in 30 states, and this new group aims to consolidate those efforts.

      What it aims to achieve

      According to the companies, the plan consists of three main components: creating awareness campaigns to build a talent pipeline and establish clearer entry pathways; expanding apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships, supported by a data report in collaboration with Burning Glass and Jobs for the Future; and enhancing partnerships with unions, colleges, and non-profits.

      In an article for Fortune, the four founders positioned the initiative as a means of constructing America's future rather than merely filling vacancies. Ford, for instance, requires technicians, as does an increasing number of other companies.

      The irony at play

      The companies involved tell an intriguing story. Google’s AI technologies are assisting firms in reducing their white-collar workforce, a change that has faced resistance from its employees. JPMorgan’s CEO notes that AI has already resulted in a 30 to 40% job reduction in certain sectors. Additionally, Verizon is eliminating 3,000 retail jobs.

      However, Google also stands as one of the largest developers of data centers and thus requires tradespeople for their construction. Ruth Porat, Alphabet and Google’s president and chief investment officer, emphasized that building the necessary physical infrastructure "requires significantly increasing the pipeline of skilled tradespeople."

      In contrast, skilled trades appear to be secure. No machine can wire a house, scale a pylon, or repair a transmission line. While a degree paired with AI is valuable, there will always be a need for individuals to physically construct the world.

      The complication

      Delving into the details reveals growing tension. The AI boom is not only vying for attention with the trades; it is also competing for the workers themselves. Each data center, substation, and power line that the industry is eager to build requires the very electricians and technicians who are already in short supply.

      Moreover, the alliance is voluntary and lacks a specified funding amount, and awareness campaigns have had varying degrees of success. Nonetheless, the shortage is tangible, and funding for apprenticeships is substantial. Interestingly, it is the same companies whose technologies are transforming the workplace that are now investing in jobs that technology cannot replace.