While AI and automation have disrupted white-collar industries, resulting in nearly 300,000 tech layoffs, skilled trades like electricians, welders, and solar panel technicians are expected to create 1.7 million new jobs in the U.S. by 2032, making up over one-third of the fastest-growing job sectors.
On the recent episode of the Disruption Interruption podcast, Brian Glover, co-founder and CEO of Previewed, joins host Karla Jo Helms (KJ) to explore how the skilled worker shortage is reshaping the job market, which industries offer the best opportunities for job seekers, and how Previewed’s AI-driven tools are transforming the hiring process. “We call it the career life cycle—it’s not about a single job, but about guiding job seekers from their first role to their dream career with AI-driven support every step of the way,” Glover explains.
The Skilled Worker Crisis: A Ticking Time Bomb
America faces a critical skilled labor shortage, with electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and manufacturing workers in dangerously low supply. The problem? A mass exodus of Baby Boomers—who once dominated blue-collar jobs—without a new generation ready to replace them.
For decades, the push for college degrees over trades has created a disconnect, leaving essential industries struggling to find talent. “We’ve been sold this idea that success means a four-year degree, while the backbone of our country—our skilled workers—have been overlooked,” says Brian Glover, Co-Founder & CEO of Previewed.
But now, a blue-collar renaissance is emerging. As AI threatens traditional white-collar jobs, many professionals are reconsidering their career paths. The reality? Skilled trades offer stability, competitive pay, and opportunities AI can’t replace. “We’re looking at a shift where white-collar professionals will need to pivot into trades to stay relevant,” Glover explains. “The challenge now is building the right systems and infrastructure to make that transition possible.”
Electricians and Welders: The Backbone of the Future
The demand for skilled workers isn’t just growing—it’s reaching a crisis point. Electricians are in critical need, with 85,000 required annually to replace retirees and keep up with the booming energy sector, especially as AI and clean energy initiatives drive higher power consumption. At the same time, the welding industry faces a massive shortfall, needing 500,000 new welders by 2030 just to maintain essential infrastructure like roads, bridges, and freight systems. “Everywhere you look, there’s work that needs to be done, but without enough trained workers, these industries will struggle to keep up,” explains Glover.
With the average skilled worker in their mid-50s, the looming wave of retirements threatens to deepen the labor shortage. For every nine workers retiring, only one enters the field, compounding the issue year after year. While private organizations are stepping up, Glover stresses that public initiatives are also essential to reverse this trend. “We have an opportunity right now to rebuild America’s workforce—but it’s going to take collaboration, investment, and a shift in how we talk about trade careers,” he says.
Previewed: A Career GPS for Skilled Workers
The workforce is evolving, and skilled trades are at the forefront of high-demand careers. Yet, traditional job platforms fail to guide workers through these transitions. “It’s not another Indeed or Glassdoor,” says Glover. “It is a transformative tool combining AI, gamification, and immersive experiences with the ultimate goal to close the gap between employers as well as the workforce.” Unlike standard job boards, Previewed doesn’t just help users apply for jobs—it acts as a GPS, guiding them from their first job to their dream job with personalized career insights.
“This isn’t just about finding a job—it’s about building a career,” Glover emphasizes. “We’re here the whole time in between, guiding how to jump into new opportunities, what upskilling options exist, and how to achieve long-term success.”
