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‘A New Collar of Worker’: AI Fuels a Tradie Boom

The Australian

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Description

Generation Z workers are creating a “new collar” career that combines traditional trades with digital skills to outsmart AI.

Summary

This report examines how Generation Z is pivoting toward manual trades to mitigate the threat of AI automation in white-collar sectors like software engineering. It highlights a shift toward "new collar" careers that integrate digital literacy with physical labor, creating a labor market hedge against frontier AI capabilities. The trend reflects broader societal adaptation to the labor displacement risks posed by advanced AI systems. This narrative is particularly significant in the Australian economic context, where the valuation of skilled trades remains high relative to entry-level tech roles vulnerable to automation.

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‘A new collar of worker’: AI fuels a tradie boomGeneration Z workers are creating a “new collar” career that combines traditional trades with digital skills to outsmart AI. All your news for a great price Unlock this story and more with your subscription Digital Access What’s included Unlimited access on app & web A digital version of Today’s Paper Daily puzzles & Mind Games Complimentary access to The Wall Street Journal Subscriber-exclusive newsletters & early access to tomorrow’s front pages Pay As You Go No lock-in contract $4 for 1 monthThen $48 charged monthly.* *Read the fine print The Australian Digital subscription costs $4 charged for a duration of 1 month, after which it automatically renews to $48 charged monthly. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. New customers only. Prices after any early discounted periods may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.theaustralian.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. 12 Month Plan Lock in & save $30 a month for the first 12 months($360 min. cost). Then $30 charged monthly.* *Read the fine print The Australian Digital 12 Month Plan costs $360 (min. cost) for the first 12 months, charged as $30 monthly. This automatically renews after the first 12 months to be charged as $30 (min. cost) monthly unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. No cancellations during the first 12 months. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. Prices after the first 12 months may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. Seewww.theaustralian.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. Benefits of Full Digital Access Unlimited access Expert news and commentary, accessible anytime on web & app. Today’s paper Swipe through the digital newspaper, liftouts, and archive. Newsletters Be in the know with subscriber-exclusive news emails. The Wall Street Journal Enjoy complimentary access to The Wall Street Journal. Mind Games Play daily crosswords, sudoku and more with Mind Games. Unlimited access Expert news and commentary, accessible anytime on web & app. Today’s paper Swipe through the digital newspaper, liftouts, and archive. Newsletters Be in the know with subscriber-exclusive news emails. The Wall Street Journal Enjoy complimentary access to The Wall Street Journal. Mind Games Play daily crosswords, sudoku and more with Mind Games. Subscribe Other subscription options Print + Digital Subscriptions Corporate Subscriptions Culture Travel + Luxury True Crime Podcasts Wealth Health Commentary Your Selection: $0 Your Selection – Change selection Today’s Total $0 Read the fine print Terms and Conditions Sorry, we are unable to process your request at this time. Please try again later.