I worked with 2 college bound apprentices, one a welder, the other a plumber. They both loved working with their hands and wanted a means of earning real money while earning their degrees. They wanted to be physical and not stare at screens. I think this idea will gain traction, especially as college enrollment declines.
LEO son has a state certification from the Department of Criminal Justice. He also has several other related national certifications in disciplines that required specialized training. Additionally, he has state and national certifications in Emergency Medical Services. Hopefully AI helps his career rather than curtailing it.
Some state licenses for plumbing and electrical work will do well. The general idea of focusing on state-created barriers of entry is one approach.
I am finding that AI is really helping my work. But, part of what I imagine I will do over time is to design some agents that can replace some jobs at clients.
Agree that people can make a lot of mines when certified and licensed as a plumber, electrician, building contractor, etc. our “Handy Man“ for lack of a better term has an engineering degree from Georgia Tech, but he hated it and preferred to work with his hands and has been doing maintenance repair and construction for decades. He makes his own schedule works when he wants, plays a lot of tennis and fixes up his own house. Very lucky fellow and we adore him. As a separate issue, I also had a state professional and county business license, but I was a professional. I think the key in this conversation are those who get certifications in trades and then licensed in their state.