AI's unexploited capability falls short in addressing the unique needs of underserved communities similar to mine
In the heart of Chicago's South Side, Pastor Corey Brooks, known as the "Rooftop Pastor," leads his community amidst challenges of poor schools, limited opportunities, and high levels of violence. Yet, his story is one of hope and resilience, as he spearheads Project H.O.O.D., a local mission dedicated to transforming lives.
Pastor Brooks, the founder and Senior Pastor of New Beginnings Church of Chicago, has gained national attention for his rooftop vigils aimed at transforming the notorious "O-Block" into #OpportunityBlock. His work extends beyond the church, reaching out to the community and offering a beacon of hope.
Meanwhile, in the world of work, Mike Rowe, the host of "Dirty Jobs," has been advocating for the importance of skilled trades in the face of the AI revolution. He emphasizes that jobs such as welding, plumbing, electrical work, steamfitting, and pipefitting remain largely untouched by AI, as they require physical skill, on-the-ground presence, and hands-on work that AI cannot replicate.
Rowe's views are supported by insights suggesting that other fields safe from AI disruption include emergency responders, creative and interpersonal professions, and the food service industry. Roles like firefighters, paramedics, lifeguards, social workers, hair stylists, tattoo artists, massage therapists, chefs, bakers, and line cooks all rely on human skill and touch, making them resistant to automation.
The rationale behind this resilience lies in the jobs' need for manual skills, physical presence, nuanced decision-making, empathy, and craftsmanship. These sectors are also facing labor shortages, further increasing their resilience to automation.
Rowe has highlighted the need for over 80,000 collision repair technicians and 140,000 tradespeople to help companies build and deliver nuclear-powered submarines to the Navy. He also stated that Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock, predicted the need for 500,000 electricians in the near future.
The energy field alone requires 300,000 to 500,000 people, and many from poverty-stricken neighborhoods, like the South Side of Chicago, are capable of performing the necessary work. Corey Brooks, the founder of Project H.O.O.D., believes that trade school education could be a key to helping those in poverty improve their lives.
For the last 20 years or so, the United States has emphasized college degrees over vocational training. However, Rowe argues that the Golden Age for many Americans lies in the pursuit of a livelihood in the trades. He has been a vocal advocate for this shift, speaking at events like the Pennsylvania Energy & Innovation Summit.
In conclusion, as the AI revolution continues to reshape the job market, skilled trades and human-centric professions remain resilient. These sectors offer direct pathways to opportunity and could play a crucial role in reversing the decline of post-60s liberalism. For those seeking a stable career, the trades may just be the golden ticket.
For more information about Pastor Corey Brooks and Project H.O.O.D., visit ProjectHOOD.org.
- Pastor Corey Brooks, known for his rooftop vigils in Chicago's South Side, believes trade school education could help overcome poverty by offering viable career opportunities in the trades.
- Mike Rowe, the host of "Dirty Jobs," has been promoting the importance of skilled trades, such as welding, plumbing, and electrical work, due to their resistance to AI disruption and potential for labor shortages.
- The energy sector alone requires hundreds of thousands of workers, many of whom could be from poverty-stricken neighborhoods like the South Side of Chicago, and trade school education could provide the necessary skills and training for these roles.
- Despite the United States focusing on college degrees for the last 20 years, Rowe argues that the trades could be the key to a stable livelihood, particularly in light of the AI revolution reshaping the job market.
- In the world of sports, basketball pros like NBA players and NCAA players rely heavily on human skill, touch, and decision-making, mirroring the resilience of many human-centric professions to AI disruption.
