Chair: AI will reshape jobs but is unlikely to replace many skilled trades

Questioner asked whether AI would help or harm Main Street businesses and workers. The Chair said AI "could help and hurt," and that its effects will vary by sector.

"AI is going to take some jobs," the Chair said, but added that it is unlikely to displace many everyday skilled trades: "it's not gonna take jobs that we need every in our everyday environment like plumbers, welders, carpenters, mechanics." (Chair)

Why it matters: the Chair tied AI policy to workforce development, arguing local economies still rely on skilled-trade occupations and pressing for training programs to fill shortages.

Next steps: the Chair said he has bills to expand pathways into trades and to retrain students who drop out of traditional academic tracks.