Renowned TV host and advocate for skilled labour, Mike Rowe, has issued a stark warning about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on blue-collar jobs. In a recent interview, Rowe emphasised that automation and AI advancements are no longer just a concern for white-collar professions – they’re rapidly reshaping traditional trades and manual labour roles.
The Changing Landscape of Work
Rowe, best known for his show Dirty Jobs, explained that while many assume AI primarily threatens office-based roles, the reality is far more widespread. "We’re seeing robots weld, algorithms diagnose machinery faults, and automated systems handle logistics," he noted. "The trades aren’t immune – they’re evolving."
Which Jobs Are Most at Risk?
According to Rowe, these sectors face significant disruption:
- Manufacturing and assembly line work
- Transportation and logistics
- Basic construction tasks
- Routine maintenance roles
How Workers Can Stay Relevant
Rather than resisting change, Rowe urges workers to adapt by:
- Developing tech skills to work alongside AI tools
- Specialising in areas requiring human judgment
- Focusing on customer service elements machines can’t replicate
- Continuously updating their skill sets
"The jobs won’t disappear," Rowe clarified, "but they will change. The workers who evolve will thrive."
A Call for Better Vocational Training
Rowe criticised current education systems for overlooking trade skills, arguing that vocational training must incorporate AI literacy. "We need to prepare the next generation for the jobs that will actually exist," he stressed.
