A new international study from toolmaker DEWALT has revealed while the construction workforce is eager for AI, it lacks the hands-on training needed to unlock its full potential.
The AI in the Trades study conducted by DEWALT last December surveyed over 3,400 construction professionals across six countries, targeting skilled tradespeople and decision-makers in the residential, commercial and industrial construction sectors.
DEWALT’s motivation to undertake this unique study lies at the heart of the company’s future business development.
“Through this research, DEWALT aims to better understand how skilled workers — our customers — are leveraging emerging technologies,” Elijah Buford, senior product manager, AI/LLM, Stanley Black & Decker, told the Daily Commercial News.
This study offers an important perspective often lacking in other attempts to gauge AI’s impact on construction. Rather than looking at design, procurement, engineering and site management elements, the DEWALT investigation is focussed on the outlook of industry participants who work at ground-level on jobsites.
“Tradespeople are the backbone of our industry and their hands-on expertise is what brings every project to life,” said Bill Beck, president, tools and outdoors at Stanley Black & Decker.
Particularly striking from the study is what DEWALT describes as “an emerging disconnect” within the skilled trades industry concerning the ongoing adoption of AI.
While more than 85 per cent of the construction professionals surveyed expect AI to move from “novel” to “normal” quickly, with a clear belief AI will soon become a baseline capability, only 16 per cent say AI is part of their day-to-day work currently. In fact, less than half are piloting and researching their use of AI.
However, among the early AI adopters, over one-third cited important benefits that included increased productivity, cost savings and improved quality control.
“Construction professionals are clear that AI is gaining ground in the industry,” the report says. “The research demonstrates strong momentum, broad optimism and a growing belief that AI will deliver practical value across construction workflows.”
The study also revealed the respondents’ expectations for AI as the leading transformational technology in construction was nearly double that of Building Information Modeling (BIM). Over 90 per cent of those surveyed “feel positive” about the use of AI in construction.
In DEWALT’s view, the issue isn’t whether AI is being overlooked for use on the jobsite. It’s more a matter of how to use AI effectively and responsibly. In fact, despite overall AI enthusiasm, only 25 per cent felt “very prepared” to work with AI in their current role, with nearly 40 per cent of respondents expressing concerns.
“Industry enthusiasm is paired with clear expectations and practical caution,” the study says. “Many construction professionals say adoption will depend on clear guardrails, particularly around reliability, cost, data quality and maintaining human oversight in decision-making. This balance reflects the realities of a high-stakes industry where safety, accuracy and accountability are critical.”
Where is the AI bottleneck? It appears to be two things: training and the skills gap. In other words, “the confidence, context and skills to use it effectively in real jobsite conditions.”
“The workforce is clear about what it needs,” the study says.
It wants “practical learning grounded in real scenarios, and accessible pathways that build AI skills across the full trade pipeline, so early experimentation becomes safe, effective and integrated for everyday use.”
In fact, nine out of 10 said AI training should be part of trade school or technical training curriculum.
Despite the eagerness for AI, most respondents cited “fragmented, informal learning as a barrier” to unlocking its full potential. There was a clear preference for hands-on learning above other formats. Online course and video tutorials were viewed less favourably.
“The signal is clear. People want practical, job-relevant training that builds confidence through real tasks and real-world application,” the report said.
DEWALT’s research makes it clear the AI engagement gap isn’t about willingness. It’s about training.
“As jobsites become increasingly complex and technology-driven, the need for practical AI training has never been more important,” said Beck.
Buford went on to explain DEWALT has already launched an AI training pilot in the U.S. and is actively exploring ways to expand AI education more broadly.
“At the core of this survey is our commitment to understanding our customers and supporting their success as the construction landscape continues to advance.”
John Bleasby is a freelance writer. Send comments and Inside Innovation column ideas to [email protected].
