The skilled labor shortage will continue to impact organizations’ budgets in 2025, according to a recently released survey from The National Fire Protection Association.
This is due to the fact that half of skilled tradespeople said their top challenge was a shortage of qualified candidates. The survey found that 37% of respondents anticipate their organization’s budget will be focused on increased hiring to add or replace jobs.
This number, however, is moving in the right direction as it represents a 3% decrease from last year. Some workers are starting to feel relief from this challenge, the survey notes.
The shortage results from both retirement and workforce retention challenges, with 31% of workers citing each of these as major challenges when it comes to workforce staffing.
“Addressing the skilled labor shortage is not just a challenge, but an opportunity to invest in the future of our workforce,” said Jim Pauley, NFPA CEO, in a statement. “In 2025, we can expect to see more organizations focused on talent development, embracing innovation, and supporting education and training initiatives to help bridge the gap and ensure sustainable growth for the industry.”
Technology Adoption is Key
In 2025, almost half (46%) of respondents plan to adopt more digital tools within their day-to-day operations, an uptick of 9% from 2024.
This is because 38% of respondents feel a lack of job-enabling technology is one of their top challenges at work, followed by a lack of knowledge sharing and collaboration on the jobsite (31%). Increasing , technology adoption should better support workers already stretched thin from labor shortages.
Despite an increase in willingness to use these technologies, there remain barriers to adoption and concerns around how to properly implement technological innovations:
- 44% of respondents cited the cost of implementation as the primary obstacle to adopting new technologies, followed by lack of training or knowledge (25%).
- 20% of skilled trade professionals believe there will be pushback within the industry to adopt new technologies, while only around 10% of respondents cited a lack of availability/access as a primary barrier.
Training and Certification Programs are a Priority for 2025
Training, both in new technologies and in specialized skills and knowledge, is top of mind for skilled workers in 2025. Industry professionals are doubling down on training and certifications, with over half (54%) of respondents planning to participate in more training sessions than in 2024.
Fifty-two percent of industry professionals plan to make this same increase in certifications, a 10% increase from last year.
When asked about the career and professional development benefits from participating in professional organizations or trade association memberships, respondents noted the following:
- 51% cited networking opportunities with industry professionals and training programs, respectively, as the most valuable aspects of their membership
- 47% cited access to industry resources and publications
- 22% cited advocacy for industry-related issues and regulations
“To stay competitive in the fire, electrical, and life safety industries, organizations must not only embrace technology but invest deeply in training and certifying their workers,” continued Pauley. “The increased interest from skilled workers in networking through professional organizations is encouraging and shows the value our workforce places on investing in their professional growth.”