February 27, 2024 Skilled Trade Outlook: What to Expect in 2024

Survey data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) looks at the current trends impacting the skilled trades industry.

By Kyle Spencer, Director of NFPA LiNK®, National Fire Protection Association®

From California to New York, the skilled labor industry is changing. As technology advances, building and safety regulations shift, and natural disasters become more regular and catastrophic, the skilled trades industry must be ready to adapt.

This fast-changing environment can be challenging for workers to navigate, and many may be feeling the pressure to keep up. New survey data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) highlights the top three trends skilled trades workers can expect to experience in 2024 and beyond.

A Smaller Workforce: A Top Challenge in 2024

The skilled labor job shortage is an employment trend that can’t be avoided for much longer. While many facility managers aim to keep projects afloat with smaller teams due to the Great Retirement, they must work with Human Resource departments to offer training programs, develop technology integration plans, review benefits, and more to not only streamline workflows but also recruit new talent.

According to survey data from the NFPA, 53% of respondents said the shortage of qualified hiring candidates would be a top challenge at work in 2024, up 45% from the year prior. With that, facility managers should aim to develop strategies focused on recruiting and retaining workers.

Uncovering opportunities to help employees advance while encouraging a younger generation to enter the field has been and will continue to be a top priority for facility managers in 2024.

Tech Integration for Recruitment and Retention

Whether a facility manager is prepared for it or not, technology integrations are the future of this industry. The main question is: how can they adapt to reap the full benefits of this new digital age?

70% of workers are interested in trying new, diverse tools on the job site, according to the same NFPA survey, notably up 68% from 2023.

As the skilled labor industry navigates a worker shortage, integrating technology into everyday projects will help labor managers attract a younger workforce as Gen Z continues to prioritize roles that emphasize innovation. Further, when technology is embraced, skilled laborers acknowledge its benefits – with 46% noting that tech integration is essential for the future success of professionals in their field, according to the same survey.

Whether that looks like integrating a digital codes and standards workflow, utilizing AI and/or VR for training modules, or leveraging digital platforms for knowledge sharing and team communication, this new digital age requires open-mindedness and the willingness to learn new tools. Facility managers who prioritize such things are expected to reap the benefits in the labor market.

The Next Stage: Certifications and Training

While new advancements may seem daunting, a tried-and-true trend that has always been a priority in this industry is the opportunity for training and certifications. This will only advance in 2024, as 51% of respondents plan to upskill their roles by taking part in more trainings than they did in 2023, while 42% plan to make this same increase in certifications, according to the same survey.

Investing in and encouraging your employees to participate in opportunities to continue their education is a benefit to the team as a whole. In fact, 52% of respondents pointed to a higher level of confidence thanks to certifications and 32% felt safer knowing they understand the tools and processes they’re working on. Participating in new trainings and upleveling certifications can translate to higher quality results, more confident professionals, and an overall stronger team. 

2024 Outlook

As the skilled trades industry continues to look forward to a new way of working, professionals who lean into new workflows will reap the benefits. Whether that means integrating new technology for streamlined work and collaboration efforts, offering on-site or digital training and certification opportunities, or finding ways to emphasize these opportunities in recruitment and retention efforts, 2024 will bring upon a fresh perspective and a new way of working in this industry.

For over 3 years, Kyle Spencer has been working alongside his peers at NFPA to develop NFPA LiNK®, providing digital access to codes and standards. Now serving as the Director and Product Owner of NFPA LiNK®, he oversees the strategic direction for the application and helps support ongoing development and content creation efforts. Kyle has spent over a decade working in the electrical products industry, learning from engineers and installers on how to make the products they use more efficient.

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