The National Fire Protection Associations (NFPA) has released its fourth annual industry survey report. The survey found that skilled trade workers are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools, while recognizing continued investment in training, professional development, and industry collaboration will be critical to meeting heightened work demands amid ongoing workforce shortages.
Conducted at the 2026 NFPA Conference & Expo, the survey collected responses from 326 U.S. and international-based workers in the electrical, manufacturing, construction, engineering, architect/design, facility maintenance, government/municipality, compliance, fire protection, fire service, and insurance/risk management fields.
“Results from this year’s survey clearly show an industry-wide inflection point,” said Ross Ashley, president and CEO of NFPA. “Change is accelerating, and now is the time for organizations to decide how they will keep up. As AI, new technologies, and changing infrastructure continue to reshape work for fire, electrical, and life safety professionals, we have a tremendous opportunity and responsibility to ensure today’s workforce has the training, resources, and professional support needed to adapt with confidence.”
Key findings from the survey include the following:
AI Reveals Urgency in Workforce Shortages While Driving New Efficiencies
Skilled labor shortages have long been a challenge across many industries, and this year’s survey suggests growing demand could put even more pressure on an already stretched workforce. While 36% of respondents reported increased demand for labor services related to AI infrastructure, 88% said demand for their work overall has increased over the past three years.
“While we do anticipate a rise in demand for skilled labor related to AI, such as for building data centers and upgrading electrical infrastructure to support power demands, the bigger concern for every industry is the potential downstream effects,” said Kyle Spencer, director of NFPA LiNK at NFPA. “As demand for AI infrastructure is prioritized, and skilled workers begin leaving other jobsites to satisfy those needs, professionals who are already stretched thin will need to find new tools and strategies to fill those gaps.”
Skilled trade workers are increasingly waking up to the value of AI and digital tools in streamlining administrative work, documentation, and access to technical knowledge amid these shortage pressures:
- An overwhelming number of respondents (87%) agree that technology has made their job easier or significantly easier in the last five years.
- When looking at specific technologies, 39% of respondents said AI and automation tools have had the greatest impact on work. That is closely followed by digital tools and software platforms, such as NFPA LiNK (36%).
Skilled Workers Prioritize Training Amid Rapid Industry Shifts
As technology advancements continue to change the tools professionals rely on and the codes and standards that guide their work, ongoing training remains critical for helping workers adapt to these rapid shifts with confidence. NFPA found that 94% of respondents participate in at least one training or development program per year; over one-third of respondents (37%) say they participate in one or more trainings every month.
Skilled Workers Continue to Find Value in Industry Communities
As workforce shortages and technology adoption reshape the trades, industry professionals increasingly recognize the value of having a trusted community to turn to for knowledge, support, and professional development. Networking and collaboration with other industry professionals continues to be the most cited professional membership perk, with 65% of respondents identifying it as a benefit.
- Following that, 57% of respondents cite continued education opportunities as an important benefit.
- Thirty-eight percent (38%) of respondents say professional memberships are valuable for the technical support they provide on codes and standards.
The survey results suggest that the gradual technology transformation that started in the skilled trades years ago is becoming more mainstream—and professionals are seeing the benefits. As the industry continues to face rapid technology adoption, evolving codes and standards, and changing workforce dynamics, skilled trade stakeholders should build on this momentum by prioritizing new technology, workforce development, and industry collaboration.