National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) - Experts & Thought Leaders

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) released its third annual Industry Trends Survey, which reveals skilled worker sentiments around the current state of labor, training, and technology on the job site. The survey provides a look at what the skilled trades industry can expect in each of these areas in 2025.  skilled labor shortage: top concern in 2025  Exactly half of skilled tradespeople identified a shortage of qualified candidates as the top challenge for workers this year. This is a 3 percent decrease from the year prior, indicating that, despite the continued need to increase staffing in the industry, some workers are starting to feel relief from this challenge. Skilled labor shortage concerns primarily stem from worker retirement and workforce retention challenges, with 31 percent of workers citing each of these as major challenges when it comes to workforce staffing.  Impact on budget 37 percent of respondents anticipate their organization’s budget will be focused on increased hiring As a result, the skilled labor shortage will continue to impact organizations’ budgets in 2025. For example, 37 percent of respondents anticipate their organization’s budget will be focused on increased hiring to add or replace jobs, down 3 percent from 2024.  Training will also become a heightened focus for organizations, with 18 percent of respondents planning to budget for increased training for employees.   Talent development “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 President and CEO. “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: efficiency and communication  Looking towards 2025, almost half (46 percent) of respondents plan to adopt more digital tools within their day-to-day operations, an uptick of 9 percent from 2024. Currently, 38 percent 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 job site (31 percent), indicating that increased technology adoption will better support workers already stretched thin from labor shortages.  Barriers to adoption Despite an increase in willingness to use these technologies, there remain barriers to adoption and concerns around how to properly implement technological innovations:  44 percent of respondents cited the cost of implementation as the primary obstacle to adopting new technologies, followed by lack of training or knowledge (25 percent).   20 percent of skilled trade professionals believe there will be pushback within the industry to adopt new technologies, while only around 10 percent of respondents cited a lack of availability/access as a primary barrier.   Training and certification programs: a top priority for 2025  54 percent of respondents planning to participate in more training sessions than in 2024 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 percent) 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 percent increase from last year.  Benefits of participation When asked about the career and professional development benefits of participating in professional organizations or trade association memberships, respondents noted the following:  51 percent cited networking opportunities with industry professionals and training programs, respectively, as the most valuable aspects of their membership.    47 percent cited access to industry resources and publications.   22 percent cited advocacy for industry-related issues and regulations. Investing in professional growth “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.”  Methodology   NFPA collected responses from 358 U.S.-based workers, 18 years and older in the electrical, manufacturing, construction, engineering, architect/design, facility maintenance, fire service, and insurance/risk management fields, via a third-party provider to determine findings of its 2025 Industry Trends Survey. The survey was conducted between November 5, 2024– November 12, 2024.   

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) launched its Wind Turbine Technician-I (WTT-I) certification, the only certification of its kind in the U.S. to date. NFPA WTT-I certification Renewable markets, such as solar and wind are seeing rapid growth. With more wind installation projects being approved worldwide, there is a growing demand for qualified wind turbine technicians with verified skills and knowledge to work on these projects. The new NFPA WTT-I certification aims to provide the emerging wind workforce with the necessary skills to excel and work safely in this rapidly developing sector. industry-recognized credentials “NFPA is well-recognized for its certification programs in fire, life safety, and electrical spaces,” said Dan Pickel, Director of Certification and Accreditation at NFPA, adding “The WTT-I program will help professionals build successful careers in the wind energy sector and support their ability to service, inspect, and maintain wind turbines safely with industry-recognized credentials.” key features and components They will demonstrate the capability to perform basic tasks related to installing, servicing, commissioning Newcomers to the wind energy industry, including those who have finished a foundational course in wind turbines and electrical safety, or have worked as wind turbine technicians for at least six months, are ideal candidates for this certification. Upon completion of the program, they will be proficient in the key features and components outlined in the Wind Turbine Technician Exam Blueprint. They will also demonstrate the capability to perform basic tasks related to installing, servicing, commissioning, inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting, performing lock-out/tagout, reading and interpreting schematics, and documenting work performed on wind turbines. A skilled global workforce A skilled global workforce is one of the eight key elements of the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem™, a framework that identifies the components that must work together to minimize risk and help prevent loss, injuries, and death from fire, electrical, and other hazards. Training and development initiatives, including certifications, are central to this objective of upskilling the workforce, promoting industry best practices, and prioritizing worker safety. industry-standard training According to the Global Wind Energy Council, over 574,000 technicians will be required to build, install, operate, and maintain the world’s rapidly expanding wind fleet by 2027. In the U.S. alone, more than 77,000 people will need industry-standard training between 2023 and 2027. Dan Pickel adds, “As demand for these workers increases, candidates who enhance their knowledge and skills through best-in-class certifications, such as the WTT-I certificate, will more easily stand out to potential employers. This can help increase an employee’s credibility, marketability, and earning potential.”

It is no secret that electricity can have a significant impact on the fire industry, and this is not just something that is restricted to a single country. Daily, we see the devastation that improper electrical wiring and defective products can have on a global scale. Personal injury, property loss, and death can all wreak havoc on those working within the fire service and other first responders, not to mention the significant impact on the entire community where the events take place.  steps to minimize electrical incidents Some steps can be taken to minimize the number of these horrific electrical incidents. Research from NFPA® that highlights home electrical fire statistics shows that U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 46,700 home fires involving electrical failure or malfunction each year between 2015 and 2019. An additional 16,390 non-residential electrical fires required a response and were tracked between the years 2012 and 2016, indicating just how burdensome electrical fires are on the fire service.  However, some steps can be taken to minimize the number of these horrific electrical incidents. The implementation and utilization of current electrical codes and standards is a foundational piece in beginning to minimize these issues from arising. Triad of codes and standards NFPA has a triad of codes and standards that focus on mitigating risk and injury associated with electricity which has become known as the Electrical Cycle of Safety™ (ECoS™). When used collectively and properly, NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code® (NEC®), NFPA 70B, Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance, and NFPA 70E®, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®, provide an alliance for achieving holistic electrical safety. By utilizing the documents that make up the ECoS, businesses, and communities can help to mitigate electrical fires and injuries that put significant strain on the limited resources available to the fire service. NFPA has a triad of codes and standards that focus on mitigating risk and injury Electrical Cycle of Safety The Electrical Cycle of Safety starts with an installation that is grounded in the requirements of the NEC The Electrical Cycle of Safety starts with a proper electrical installation that is grounded in the requirements of the NEC. This could be the initial installation for a brand-new building, an addition to an existing building or new equipment being installed within a building. Regardless of what type of installation is taking place, it is important that, where applicable, proper electrical permits have been filed by the licensed contractor performing the work in the municipality where the building is established. This should then include having the appropriate inspections performed by a qualified electrical inspector throughout each stage of the installation. Having all electrical work done and inspected by the applicable NEC requirements is the appropriate first step in assuring electrical safety that protects both people and property. Electrical equipment and systems After any installation has been done, electrical equipment and systems must be maintained to ensure that they remain safe for those who service the equipment, as well as those who may be utilizing the equipment, such as production line workers or, in some cases, even the general public. An example of this might be keeping an electric vehicle charger in proper, safe working order so that citizens who need to use it are not exposed to any electrical safety risks, like shock hazards. NFPA 70B provides electrical equipment maintenance requirements and should be used in conjunction with any specific manufacturer maintenance requirements for electrical equipment. Safe working practices Maintaining equipment not only helps ensure electrical safety but also helps to preserve its reliability. Maintaining equipment not only helps ensure electrical safety but also helps to preserve its functionality and reliability. In the case of electric vehicle chargers, utilizing Chapter 33 of NFPA 70B can help to establish a maintenance plan for community-based public chargers that will keep them safe and functional for users, while minimizing the need for first responder actions. NFPA 70E is about establishing safe working practices to protect those who engage with electrical systems and equipment while on the job through either installing or servicing them or utilizing the equipment in performing their assigned work tasks. As is well established, there are many risks associated with electricity, such as electrical shock and arc flash incidents, that can put individuals at a significant risk of injury. Safe and healthy working conditions Not only is there a moral obligation as an employer to keep employees safe on the job, but there is often a legal one as well. For example, in the U.S., the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was established with a mission to assure safe and healthy working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.  OSHA and NFPA 70E work in harmony to help ensure that employers are providing safe places of employment for their workers. OSHA establishes and enforces its requirements around how employers must establish electrical safety in their place of business and, in most cases, NFPA 70E provides the means on how to accomplish those requirements. fire service and other first responders First and foremost, it means that the community as a whole becomes safer Together, the ECoS establishes a way in which electrical safety can be provided to communities that minimize the number of responses that are required of the fire service and other first responders. First and foremost, it means that the community as a whole becomes safer. Furthermore, in a day and age where resources continually become more and more limited, alleviating the need to respond to a higher number of incidents also helps ensure that those valuable resources can be utilized where they are most needed. Knowledge to raise awareness of the ECoS So, how can the ECoS be utilized to help support the fire service and other first responders? As with many things, it begins with gathering knowledge to raise awareness of the ECoS and establish a starting point. Moving forward, this knowledge can be shared with others who have an impact on electrical safety across industries within communities.  Understanding the equal importance of safe electrical installations, maintenance, and worker safety in electrical applications will make it easier to have a dialogue with the specific groups or individuals that can impact those areas. Just as the ECoS works in unison to achieve overall electrical safety, it takes everyone working together collectively to do the same.

Electricians play a pivotal role in preventing electrical fires by following safe practices during installations, repairs, and inspections. At a minimum, electricians should ensure all electrical wiring and components are installed according to current building codes and manufacturers' specifications. This includes using the right size wires for the amperage load, using approved materials, and properly securing all connections. During electrical inspections, electricians should identify and address any potential fire hazards. Electricians can also advise homeowners on electrical safety measures they can take to prevent fires. These include safe appliance use, avoiding overloaded outlets, and the importance of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Maintenance of electrical systems Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) can prevent possible fires. GFCI outlets have built-in protection to detect imbalances in electrical current and quickly shut off power to prevent shocks and potential fires, particularly in areas prone to moisture like kitchens and bathrooms. Regular maintenance of electrical systems is also crucial for fire prevention. Electricians can perform preventative maintenance checks to identify and address any developing issues before they become serious fire hazards. Fire departments responded to an average of 32,160 home fires involving electrical distribution Fire departments responded to an average of 32,160 home fires involving electrical distribution and lighting equipment each year in 2015–2019, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Electrical fires cause scores of civilian deaths and hundreds of civilian injuries, as well as millions of dollars in property damage. Fire Hazards in the Home Some of the electrical components that present fire hazards in the home include faulty electrical outlets and switches, worn or damaged components, overloaded circuits, damaged or frayed cords, and misused extension cords and power strips. Improper use of light fixtures can also be a danger, and space heaters can be a fire hazard if they are placed too close to flammable materials or left unattended. Damaged or frayed cords can cause sparks and ignite nearby flammable materials As outlets and switches age, the wiring behind them can loosen and break, causing sparks and fire. Loose plugs can also overheat and ignite surrounding materials. Plugging too many appliances into a single outlet or using extension cords instead of proper wiring can overload a circuit, thus causing overheating and fires. Damaged or frayed cords can cause sparks and ignite nearby flammable materials. Cords that are kinked, pinched, or have exposed wires should be avoided and replaced immediately. Minimizing the Risk of Electrical Fires Here are some steps a homeowner can take to minimize the risk of fire from electrical systems: Upgrade the electrical system, especially if the home is older. If the electrical system has not been updated in a while, a qualified electrician can advise if it needs modernization. This could involve upgrading to breakers with better safety features such as Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) technology. Schedule an electrical safety inspection. Having a qualified electrician periodically inspect a home's electrical system can identify potential problems before they escalate into fire hazards. Keep flammable materials away from electrical components, including curtains, furniture, and piles of paper. Sparks and overheating can easily ignite nearby flammables. Addressing Multiple Threats Effective communication is key for electricians to impress upon homeowners the seriousness of fire hazards. Avoid technical jargon and explain fire hazards in clear, concise language that homeowners can understand. Focus on the potential consequences, like damage to property or injury, to heighten awareness. Pictures can be worth a thousand words. Show homeowners examples of damaged wiring, overloaded outlets, or faulty installations that pose fire risks. This can be done through photos on a tablet or phone, or even carrying around small physical samples. Frame the conversation around safety for the homeowner and their family. Highlight how addressing these hazards can prevent potential fires and ensure a safe living environment. Provide a written report after the inspection or repair. This report should detail the identified hazards, the corrective actions taken, and any recommendations for future maintenance or upgrades. By combining clear communication, visual aids, and a focus on safety, electricians can effectively convey the importance of addressing fire hazards to homeowners and empower them to make informed decisions about their electrical systems.

While the technology sector was once considered the most desirable in terms of salary and job security, recent layoffs have exposed its vulnerability. Job security has always been a sought-after job benefit, and one career path that’s often overlooked is skilled trades. The skilled trades industry stands out as a resilient sector, offering the next generation of workers a promising path for growth and professional development through on-the-job experience and education. Significant talent gap With the retirement of Baby Boomers leading to a significant talent gap, current trade professionals are now more determined than ever to attract younger workers to the industry.  Regrettably, many students in high school fail to see the value of pursuing a career in skilled trades. In a 2022 survey, only 16% of students noted they were likely to consider a career in the skilled trades. However, as other industries face a high level of uncertainty, the skilled trades offer stability and constant demand for services such as new construction, renovations, and climate change-resilient building improvements. The Benefit of Trade Education One of the major benefits of skilled trades education is its flexibility and room for career advancement The skilled trades industry presents young professionals with unique opportunities for hands-on learning and digital skill development. And as the next generation begins to explore higher education alternatives to gain valuable life skills, hands-on training in skilled trades becomes increasingly appealing. In trade education, learning happens directly from experiences in the field, complemented by classroom training, on-demand video sessions, and even virtual reality (VR) simulations. This approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to start their careers immediately, avoiding the burden of college debt. One of the major benefits of skilled trades education is its flexibility and room for career advancement. Unlike traditional four-year college programs, trade school education typically lasts around two years, making it accessible to individuals at different stages of their careers. Moreover, the skilled trades industry provides workers with continuous opportunities for education and specialization. Formal certifications or licensing requirements define career paths in the skilled trades, and workers can pursue additional certifications to open new avenues for advancement. Beyond Traditional Training Techniques To maintain its resilience, the skilled trades industry is embracing technology To maintain its resilience, the skilled trades industry is embracing technology, integrating tech-focused learning methods and digital platforms to streamline processes and increase efficiency. Gen Z is inherently tech-savvy, and incorporating new technologies in training and in the field will attract these younger generations to the industry.  This can include implementing tech-focused learning methods, embracing gamification, or transitioning from physical code books to digital platforms to streamline processes, make work more efficient, and increase engagement on new tools coming onto the jobsite. While the skilled trades industry offers numerous opportunities for growth and professional development, it is essential to acknowledge that these professions are not without their risks. Enhancing safety training Skilled trade workers, particularly those in fields like construction, electrical work, and fire safety, are often exposed to serious fire, electrical, and related hazards on the job. Ensuring the safety of these workers is of paramount importance. One powerful solution to enhance safety training is the integration of digital learning technology One powerful solution to enhance safety training is the integration of digital learning technology, which is uniquely suited to provide deep immersion simulations. By incorporating virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) training modules, skilled workers can experience lifelike scenarios that simulate potential hazards in a controlled environment. This kind of training allows them to develop critical skills, practice emergency response procedures, and make informed decisions without facing real-life risks. By leveraging digital learning technology, the skilled trades industry can better equip its workers with the knowledge and experience needed to enhance job safety and minimize workplace accidents. The Bottom Line The skilled trades industry presents a promising future for the next generation of talent. It offers resilience in the face of economic fluctuations and provides abundant opportunities for growth and professional development through hands-on training. To attract a new generation to this industry, organizations must be willing to not only emphasize value, in terms of resiliency salary, to candidates, but also show that the industry is moving towards innovation just like any other profession. As the industry continues to embrace technology, such as digital learning, it will remain relevant and appealing to young, technologically adept individuals seeking rewarding and stable careers. And by showcasing the value and potential of skilled trades, we as skilled trades professionals can inspire more individuals to consider this path and take the first step toward a successful and fulfilling career.