UK Gen Z shifts to manual trades to counter AI-driven job insecurity

Rather than entering the competitive, automation-prone office environment, many young people in the UK are increasingly turning to manual trades such as plumbing and electrical work. Maryna Yaroshenko, 18, a student in the UK who previously studied at Westminster City College (CWC) in London, said she chose plumbing to build a future she believes cannot be displaced by artificial intelligence. “That is something AI will never take over,” she said.

AI anxiety and shifting hiring expectations

Yaroshenko’s decision reflects broader concerns about job security. A recent survey by the Institute of Human Resources and Development (UK) found that about one in six employers expect to cut staff in the next 12 months with the help of AI.

The fear is also spreading among working-age adults. The article notes that around 50% of adults in the UK—particularly those aged 25 to 35—are concerned about automation-driven disruption.

AI researcher Bouke Klein Teeselink at King’s College warned that entry-level office roles are likely to be among the first targets of automation-driven layoffs, narrowing career opportunities for younger workers. “Office work is seen as more susceptible to disruption than manual labor,” he said.

Calls to rebalance the value of skilled trades

The concern about an imbalance between office work and manual labor has also been echoed by major industry figures. Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock, warned in an interview that society has long overvalued office careers such as law and finance while underestimating skilled manual work. He argued that “we need to rebalance our approach and recognize that the career of a plumber or electrician is equally strong and essential.”

Enrollment rises in engineering and construction programs

In response to these shifts, more young people—and some seeking career changes—are moving toward practical training. Stephen Davis, CEO of CWC, said enrollment in engineering and construction programs at his school has risen by nearly 10% over the past three years.

The article also links the trend to the rising cost of university education. It states that university enrollment in the UK declined for the first time in nearly a decade in the 2023/24 academic year, as more young people seek to avoid graduating with thousands of pounds in debt.

Career changes: apprenticeships and freelance trades

Freya, 18, is an example of a direct move into an apprenticeship. After secondary school, she chose not to pursue A-levels and instead applied for an electrician apprenticeship program. She described the work as demanding—“tiring days from Monday to Friday under the guidance of experienced electricians”—but said she has no regrets. “I’ve always believed this is a good job, pays well, and certainly will never be taken over by AI,” she said.

Evie, 30, previously studied arts as a freelancer in Amsterdam before switching to plastering and tiling to work freelance in London. “I want more flexibility and a physical skill that gives me freedom,” she said. She has since taken on projects ranging from heritage restoration to building sets, and concluded that as AI and 3D tools dominate parts of creative work, hands-on skills remain a reliable option.

Data on earnings and public perception

Public attitudes toward trades are also improving. A Draper Tools study cited in the article found that 61% of people under 28 now view trade work as a “great job.”

On pay, the UK Office for National Statistics reported that the average plumber’s salary is about £37,881 per year (roughly VND 1.34 billion), compared with an overall average salary across all sectors of £39,039. The article also notes that starting service companies can create additional income opportunities for skilled tradespeople.

Challenges and longer training requirements

Despite the appeal, the article highlights downsides. Evie said the work requires strong physical fitness and endurance. It also notes that the industry remains male-dominated, with gender-based barriers sometimes affecting women. In addition, it emphasizes that becoming proficient typically requires many years of rigorous training rather than a quick fix.

Outlook amid an aging workforce

With an aging labor force, demand for a new generation of skilled trades is expected to continue rising. Stephen Davis summarized the durability of the work with a remark: “I still haven’t met a robot that can reach into a toilet to unclog it for us.”

Overall, the article frames choosing a trades career in the digital era as both a practical response to automation risks and a step toward a future less exposed to technological disruption.