Anxiety about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on office jobs could be driving a renewed confidence in the trades across New Zealand.<\/p>\n
A nationally representative survey of more than 1000 people by Plumbing World revealed 72% were concerned AI would reduce entry-level office roles over the next decade.<\/p>\n
As uncertainty surrounding traditional career pathways increased, 76% of respondents believed a specialised trade provided greater long-term stability than a corporate-focused university degree.<\/p>\n
Plumbing World parent company NZPM Co-operative chief executive Brett Cruickshank said the findings reflected a shift in how New Zealanders viewed their future options.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018What we are seeing is a renewed appreciation for careers that are hands-on, highly skilled and essential to our communities,\u2019\u2019 Mr Cruickshank said.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018That is something the trades have always offered.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
In response to the rising interest, Plumbing World added an apprentice category to its Young Plumber of the Year competition for the first time in its nine-year history.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018By introducing an Apprentice category this year, we are encouraging newer members of our plumbing community to get involved, meet like-minded colleagues and build a career with real, long-term potential,\u2019\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n
Dunedin plumber Harmony Pearce won the Most Valuable Plumber award at the 2024 national contest and recently won the branch qualifier of this year\u2019s competition.<\/p>\n
She will compete at the Queenstown Southern regional finals in August and, if successful, will advance to the Hamilton national final in October.<\/p>\n
Ms Pearce works for local plumbing, drainage, electrical and gas fitting company Adams.<\/p>\n
AI was a tool she used but she believed it would never replace her practical role.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018I have used Chat GPT before if I don\u2019t quite understand something,\u2019\u2019 Ms Pearce said.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018I will be like, oh, I have got this problem … What could it be?<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018So I have used it, but I have never actually, you know, it is never going to take my job.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
The technology helped save time during problem-solving at work, she said.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018Instead of me going through 10 different websites to try and find what I am looking for, you normally just put in your model number of what it is and or whatever brand it is and they give up all these options.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
The sector provided absolute employment security and global opportunities, she said.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018I am pretty much set for life, eh? I mean, I can travel anywhere.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
Ms Pearce said the trade offered continuous pathways for learning, which had kept her coming back to the Young Plumber of the Year competition.<\/p>\n
Despite AI rapidly advancing, Ms Pearce remained confident about the need for skilled plumbers in the future.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018I am still going to have plenty to do for sure, definitely.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n