Why young people are choosing hands-on jobs
Leon Briegert, a trainee electronics technician in Brandenburg, is preparing a power distribution box for installation in a home. He has chosen a path that relies on hands-on skills, convinced that AI will not make his job obsolete. 'AI can't install wires into my walls,' he explains. 'Every house is different, so a human will always be needed to handle these installations in the future.' Three years ago, when Briegert began his training, the topic of AI had little relevance. Now, he feels reassured that his career offers long-term stability. Many young people like him are opting for skilled trades that require physical engagement and problem-solving.
Amin Houri, who studied architecture in Iran for four years, is now training to become a plant mechanic in Berlin-Kreuzberg. He made the switch after realizing that AI could automate much of what he had learned. 'I looked into the future and saw that AI could take over architecture jobs,' he says. 'That's why I wanted to train as a craftsman. It gives me peace of mind knowing that my work is future-proof.' His decision reflects a broader trend among young people who are gravitating toward trades they believe cannot be fully replaced by automation.
How AI is changing the trades from the inside
In the small craft business Haun Heating and Sanitary GmbH, AI is becoming an integral part of daily operations. With ten employees and four trainees, the company faces challenges in attracting new skilled workers. Managing director Thomas Haun emphasizes that the requirements for trainees are now more demanding. He seeks motivated high school leavers or graduates who can handle complex, high-tech tasks during training. For example, trainees now use smartphones to calculate heating loads for buildings, a task that used to be handled entirely by engineering offices. AI has simplified this process, making it faster and more efficient.
AI is also being used for automated customer service and generating construction diaries and assembly reports. 'The role of AI is expanding,' Haun notes. 'It's an important tool that helps with repetitive tasks, freeing up workers to focus on more complex assignments.' While he admits robots may soon become part of the landscape, he does not believe they will replace workers. Instead, he sees automation as a way to address the ongoing shortage of skilled labor caused by an aging workforce.
Growing interest and future outlook
The impact of AI is also reflected in rising trainee numbers. According to the Central Association of German Crafts (ZDH), there were 67,800 new training contracts in the skilled trades in the first half of 2026. This represents an almost five percent increase from the same period the previous year and is the highest number of new training contracts in nearly ten years. Association President Jörg Dittrich, a master roofer with 100 employees in Dresden, says AI does not pose a threat to jobs in the trades, but rather serves as a valuable support. 'But it's not possible to carry it out.' He reassures craftspeople that AI will not replace them, but rather assist in executing tasks more efficiently.
Dittrich also points to the growing opportunities in the trades, such as increased earning potential and strong social interaction within companies. He believes automation can help alleviate the shortage of skilled workers, especially as demographic change continues to impact the workforce. 'There are many supporting tasks that are difficult to cover,' he explains. 'AI provides an opportunity to compensate for this gap.' The trend appears to be gaining momentum, as reflected in a 2026 representative study by the University of Potsdam titled 'Youth in Germany 2026.' The study found that 52 percent of young people believe AI will fundamentally change the world of work. A similar number also think that simple tasks will increasingly be taken over by AI.
While it has not yet been scientifically proven that concerns about AI are directly influencing young people's career choices, there are clear signs that this is happening. Many are choosing the skilled trades, where they believe their skills are less vulnerable to automation. As AI becomes more widespread, the importance of hands-on skills and adaptability in the workforce is becoming clearer. The skilled trades are not only surviving the AI revolution; they may be thriving.