TAMPA, Fla. — The Community Development Corporation of Tampa says more people are seeking skilled trade training as uncertainty about artificial intelligence, unemployment and college costs shape career decisions.

At the Tampa Vocational Institute, students are learning trades such as electrical work and construction through programs offered by the CDC of Tampa.

Darick Lovett is part of the Youth Build program and said the training is giving him a chance to find work he enjoys.

“It has really helped me and showed me different things that I have not seen before, you know, things college I don’t think would have taught me,” Lovett said.

Lovett previously worked at fast-food restaurants, where he said he saw a shift in the use of artificial intelligence. He said that was one reason he wanted to learn a trade.

“Being able to learn certain things, they can’t come and take it away from us or say, ‘Hey, AI can do these things,’ they would actually have to call someone to come and fulfill those spots,” Lovett said.

The latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows more than 7 million people nationwide are unemployed.

“With people losing jobs, it’s like, ‘What can I do now? What’s available to me?’ And they’re looking for training opportunities,” said David Jones, director of workforce development for the CDC of Tampa.

Jones said interest in the organization’s programs is high among people of all age groups. He said many are considering trade programs as an alternative to the cost of college.

“They get a chance to test it out, and sometimes with stackable credentials they can go into manufacturing, they can go into warehouse, they can go into different trades that can better fit what they see themselves doing in the future,” Jones said.

Lovett said he hopes the training will help him eventually open a business and teach his skills to others.

“I just know that with the qualifications they’re giving me, I can really make a good career out of this,” Lovett said.

The CDC of Tampa also offers training programs to help companies refresh their skills or find ways to teach new skills.