The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released the results of its third annual industry survey, carried out during the NFPA 2025 Conference & Expo.
According to NFPA, the survey examined how professionals in the skilled trades are responding to labor shortages, technology adoption, and training requirements.
Jim Pauley, NFPA President and CEO, said: “The skilled trades are at a turning point: rising safety hazards, rapid technology adoption, and an unprecedented demand for training are reshaping how work gets done.
“Leaders must understand how these forces are affecting skilled professionals.
“Meeting workers where they are and responding to their needs with targeted technology, robust training, and strong professional support will be critical to sustaining the industry’s growth and resilience.”
NFPA reported that 95 percent of respondents believe artificial intelligence has a role in daily job functions.
It stated that 31 percent of participants see AI as a tool to help workers address labor shortages by streamlining tasks.
Thirty-nine percent of respondents said they expect AI to encourage industry growth and attract younger workers, while 25 percent remain doubtful of its usefulness.
The association said 64 percent of respondents have already noticed improvements in workflows and collaboration after adopting digital tools.
It added that 57 percent of participants use NFPA LiNK individually or within their organizations, representing a 6 percent increase from 2024.
NFPA explained that training remains a consistent focus for skilled trade professionals.
It said that 78 percent of workers take part in at least one NFPA training program annually, with 43 percent training quarterly and 17 percent training twice a year.
The organisation noted that barriers to training include lack of time (35 percent), high costs (30 percent), absence of qualified instructors (24 percent), and difficulty identifying appropriate programs (23 percent).
It reported that these obstacles have reduced by an average of 26 percent compared with 2024, suggesting that more employers are prioritising training.
According to NFPA, 60 percent of respondents hold a certification from a professional organisation, compared with 74 percent in 2024.
It added that 62 percent of respondents said certifications are required in their organisations for hiring, promotions, or staff development.
The association indicated that this gap between certification rates and organisational expectations highlights a need for alignment between worker qualifications and employer demands.
It stated that workers may need to consider certification to support career development as more employers use credentials as a performance measure.
NFPA reported that 52 percent of workers maintain a professional membership, including NFPA Membership offerings.
The association explained that benefits of membership include networking (66 percent), continuing education (61 percent), access to technical support on codes and standards (44 percent), and career growth opportunities (34 percent).
It said that the findings suggest professional memberships provide long-term value for skilled workers seeking resources and collaboration.
NFPA said the results indicate that the skilled trades are undergoing steady change shaped by both traditional practice and new technologies.
The association stated that leaders can use AI, training, certifications, and professional networks to strengthen their workforce.
It added that organizations that adopt digital tools and support professional growth are more likely to address labor shortages effectively.
The NFPA survey provides insight into how AI, training, and certification are shaping skilled trades that include fire protection and electrical safety.
For fire and safety professionals, the findings indicate where workforce gaps may affect the delivery of services and compliance with safety standards.
The results also show how training demand, professional memberships, and technology adoption can influence both career progression and industry resilience.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released its third annual industry survey during the NFPA 2025 Conference & Expo.
The survey found that 95 percent of respondents believe artificial intelligence has a role in skilled trades.
Thirty-one percent of participants said AI can help workers streamline tasks.
Thirty-nine percent expect AI to support industry growth.
Twenty-five percent of respondents expressed skepticism about AI.
Sixty-four percent reported improved workflows from digital tools.
Fifty-seven percent of respondents use NFPA LiNK, up 6 percent from 2024.
Seventy-eight percent of workers take at least one NFPA training program each year.
Barriers to training include lack of time (35 percent) and high costs (30 percent).
Certification rates fell to 60 percent, down from 74 percent in 2024.
Sixty-two percent said certifications are required in their organizations.
Fifty-two percent of workers hold professional memberships.
Networking (66 percent) and education (61 percent) were the main benefits of memberships.
NFPA said the findings show that skilled trades are changing through training and digital tools.
