AI-ronic skills shortage hope

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the workforce, many young Australians are pivoting away from traditional white-collar careers in favour of skilled trades. This growing trend, coined the “AIxiety Pivot”, is largely driven by concerns over job security, the cost of education and a desire for more control over career paths.

According to a Zety report, 65 per cent of Gen Z workers no longer believe a university degree will protect them from AI-driven job losses, especially in sectors like customer service and office administration, which are more vulnerable to automation. As a result, an increasing number of young Australians are turning to trades, where technical and manual skills are less likely to be replaced by machines.