TOWSON, Md. – As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms industries and becomes an essential jobsite tool for construction and industrial businesses, a new national study from DeWalt, Stanley Black & Decker’s professional brand, reveals an emerging disconnect. 

The construction workforce is eager for AI but lacks the hands-on training needed to unlock its full potential, according to the study.

The AI in the Trades study surveyed construction professionals across the globe. In the United States, 90% of construction professionals believe AI will be indispensable within five years, yet only 8% currently use AI on the job. 

The primary barrier to using AI cited by professionals is a lack of formal, job-relevant training. An overwhelming 87% of respondents said AI education must be embedded in trade schools and technical programs, while 59% expressed a need for hands-on training directly tied to real construction tasks.

“Tradespeople are the backbone of our industry, and their hands-on expertise is what brings every project to life. As jobsites become increasingly complex and technology-driven, the need for practical AI training has never been more important,” said Bill Beck, president of tools and outdoors at Stanley Black & Decker. “Our research shows that trades professionals are eager to develop and apply AI skills that will enhance their effectiveness and adaptability on the jobsite. Yet too many still lack access to this essential training.”

Key findings from the study include:

  • AI is rapidly expanding on the jobsite: 88% expect adoption to increase over the next year; 83% said AI will be standard within three years; 90% believe it will be indispensable within five years.
  • Belief in AI’s potential is meaningful, but everyday use remains limited: 37% are piloting and researching AI; only 9% said AI is part of their current day-to-day work.
  • For early adopters, jobsite workflows come first: 46% reported exploring AI in site operations and monitoring; 46% reported leveraging it in the planning and design phase of projects; 41% are using AI to help with estimation, procurement and supply chain processes.

Though 86% of construction professionals expressed feeling somewhat or very prepared to work with AI, most cited fragmented, informal learning as a barrier. Currently, tradespeople rely heavily on self-directed resources such as YouTube (40%) and online platforms like Coursera (39%) for AI education. Video tutorials are also popular, with 42% citing them as a preferred learning method.

Among early adopters, the top benefits cited include increased productivity (35%), cost savings (34%) and improved quality control (35%).

To begin addressing the AI training gap highlighted by the findings, DeWalt is launching a pilot program with Associated Builders and Contractors Central Florida chapter’s Innovation and Technology Center. The program’s goal is to deliver hands-on, jobsite-relevant AI training for the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, which is being held this week, DeWalt facilitated a case-study session for apprentices and young construction professionals enrolled in the ABC Central Florida’s NextGen leadership program. The session featured a senior virtual design and construction manager from a national construction firm who provided participants with real jobsite use cases and steps for apprentices and young pros to begin implementing AI immediately.

To provide access to AI education nationally, DeWalt has also committed $75,000 to ABC’s Trimmer Construction Education Fund toward Trimmer grants that include AI-related initiatives. ABC chapters across the United States can apply for funding to initiate AI education programs and resources in their regions.

“Education is vital to bringing fundamental AI skill sets to our future workforce,” said Matthew Abeles, ABC vice president of construction technology and innovation. “DeWalt’s commitment to providing AI resources to craft professionals through its donation to the Trimmer Construction Education Fund will be invaluable to improving safety and productivity on jobsites.”

DeWalt is also supporting ABC’s AI Toolbox Talks webinar, a monthly training series that equips ABC’s 24,000 member companies with a roadmap to adopt AI and understand its impact on project design, robotics and quality control.

“AI is starting to reshape the future of construction, and we need to make sure tradespeople are ready for it,” Beck said. “These educational programs are about giving early-career workers and current pros access to the tools and skills that will matter on tomorrow’s jobsites.”