Can K-8 CS/AI/STEM Exposure Help Trade Careers

In an era where technology is shaping nearly every aspect of our lives, it is more important than ever to provide children with early exposure to Computer Science (CS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education. While many people associate these fields with high-tech careers or STEM disciplines, they are equally vital for those who will go on to pursue skilled trades like plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, and more.

Studies show that early exposure to these concepts helps develop essential skills such as critical reasoning, problem-solving, and logic, all of which are invaluable across any profession. A report from the National Science Foundation found that students who engage in STEM education from a young age are more likely to succeed in the workforce, even if their career path is not a “tech” field. This “cross-career” skill set can lead to improvements in efficiency, productivity, and adaptability, making them more effective and competitive in the workplace—whether it’s in a boardroom or on a construction site.

As we continue to build a future driven by technology, it is essential that we view CS, AI, and STEM not as exclusive to STEM careers but as foundational tools for all professions. The integration of these technologies into traditional skilled trades can help revolutionize industries, improve quality of work, reduce costs, and, importantly, increase worker satisfaction.

A few practical examples of how skilled trades can benefit from AI and how understanding these technologies can open up new possibilities for workers in these fields is presented below.

1. Appliance Repair: From a Day in the Life of a Technician

Current Process:

An appliance technician gets a call about a broken fridge. They arrive at the house, diagnose the issue, and determine which part is faulty. The technician heads to the local parts store, but the part they need may not be in stock. They visit another store, only to find that the price is much higher. They could also go online, searching through multiple websites, reading reviews, comparing prices, and checking stock levels.

All of this takes time, potentially hours of extra work, driving, and even phone calls—all while the homeowner is left waiting. As a result, technicians face increased time and fuel costs, and homeowners are left with a longer wait time and often a higher repair cost.

Future Process with AI:

Now imagine that instead of driving around town, the technician takes a picture of the broken part and feeds it into an AI assistant. The AI, trained to recognize appliance parts and their specifications, instantly finds multiple options for the part across local stores, online retailers, and even warehouses with available inventory. The AI also ranks these options based on price, proximity, delivery time, and customer ratings. The technician orders the part and gets it delivered to the job site in a fraction of the time, cutting out hours of search time.

Time saved: Up to 70-80% of the time currently spent searching for the part is eliminated. This boosts productivity, increases the technician’s ability to complete more jobs per day, and even increases their income—while reducing costs for homeowners due to quicker turnaround times and lower prices.

2. Electrical Work: Enhancing Diagnostics and Troubleshooting with AI

Current Process:

An electrician is called to a house where the lights are flickering in the living room. They begin by manually testing the circuit breaker, examining the wiring, and checking for faulty connections. If they don’t find anything immediately, they have to start from scratch, often testing different parts of the system or even removing drywall to check the wiring. This trial-and-error approach can take hours, resulting in customer frustration and higher labor costs.

Future Process with AI:

In the future, the electrician could use an AI-powered diagnostic tool that analyzes the wiring and electrical load in real-time. The tool could be plugged into the circuit, performing a quick analysis of the electrical grid in the house, identifying any anomalies, weak spots, or wear and tear in the system. The AI might even offer predictive maintenance recommendations, telling the electrician when the wiring is likely to fail next or which part of the system needs attention. This reduces the need for manual trial-and-error and can pinpoint the issue in minutes rather than hours.

Time saved: AI-assisted diagnostics can reduce troubleshooting time by up to 60-70%, allowing the electrician to complete more jobs and provide quicker service, which enhances customer satisfaction.

3. Plumbing: Optimizing the Search for Parts and Diagnosing Issues Faster

Current Process:

A plumber receives a call about a leaking pipe under the sink. Upon arriving at the home, they may have to remove part of the cabinetry, inspect the plumbing, and assess whether it needs a new valve or a replacement section of pipe. If they don’t have the right parts on hand, they have to drive to a hardware store or supply shop, search for the right parts, and return to the job site—an inefficient and time-consuming process.

Future Process with AI:

Imagine an AI tool that uses augmented reality (AR) glasses or a smartphone app to instantly assess the leak's source and suggest possible solutions. The app might scan the plumbing setup, suggest the exact parts needed, and even send the plumber a list of stores that stock them with pricing and delivery options. The plumber could then make the purchase instantly or schedule the part to be delivered directly to the home, while continuing to work on other tasks in the meantime.

Time saved: This AI-powered solution could cut down the time spent diagnosing and sourcing parts by up to 60%, freeing up the plumber to tackle more projects or spend less time on the road, which in turn boosts their earnings.

The Power of Early Exposure to AI and CS for Trade Workers

These examples show just a few ways that AI can transform traditional trades, making work more efficient and helping workers in skilled professions stay competitive in an increasingly tech-driven world.

By exposing students to these technologies in grades K-8, we are not just preparing them for careers in tech; we are giving them tools that will serve them no matter their career path. For those who will go into trades, this early foundation in AI and CS could help them learn how to leverage these technologies for more efficient workflows and enhanced productivity. Furthermore, the problem-solving and logical thinking skills learned through these fields will directly benefit workers in any career.

As AI continues to advance, the integration of these tools will become standard in trades like plumbing, electrical work, appliance repair, and beyond. Those who understand the basics of these technologies will be better equipped to adopt and adapt to these new tools, ensuring they stay relevant in a changing workforce.

CS/AI/STEM for Every Career, Not Just College Careers

We are already seeing how the future of work will be shaped by technology, but it is imperative that we focus on K-8 children in lower income areas with limited access to CS/AI/STEM education. By ensuring that every child, whether they pursue a technical school or a university degree, has access to AI, CS, and STEM education, we provide the digital skills needed to succeed in any career, including various trade skill professions. The future workforce is one where no profession is exempt from the efficiencies and innovations that AI can bring.

With this shift, as observed with other radical technological innovations and inventions, we will see a more productive, more innovative, and more satisfied workforce across the board—no matter the industry. It is our view that introducing CS/AI/STEM exposure and education in K-8 classes is even more critical in an AI driven digital economy.