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Huang: AI can't replace plumbers, but insiders warn against easy career change

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang highlighted skilled trades like plumbing as difficult for AI to replace, predicting high salaries.
  • This sparked interest in career changes, but industry insiders caution against underestimating the profession.
  • True expertise in plumbing requires years of hands-on experience, problem-solving, and adaptability to diverse site conditions, not just theoretical knowledge.

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang recently praised skilled tradespeople, including plumbers and construction workers, identifying them as professions AI will struggle to replicate due to their need for on-site problem-solving and physical dexterity. He suggested these roles could command salaries exceeding $100,000 USD annually, sparking considerable discussion and a surge of interest in career changes.

However, experienced professionals are urging aspiring individuals to reconsider. A plumber recently shared on Threads that many people, after watching a few videos or taking introductory courses, mistakenly believe plumbing is simple. They emphasize that the reality is far more complex, involving navigating unique site conditions, pre-existing infrastructure, and varied installation methods that textbooks and online tutorials cannot fully capture.

Unless you are truly passionate about this industry, have a deep curiosity for every problem, and are willing to spend many years accumulating field experience, don't be fooled. Once you step onto a construction site, your experience level is immediately apparent.

— Plumbing professionalAdvising aspiring individuals against underestimating the complexity and experience required in the plumbing trade.

The true value of a seasoned plumber lies in their accumulated experience and ability to troubleshoot unforeseen issues that arise on the job. "Unless you are truly passionate about this industry, have a deep curiosity for every problem, and are willing to spend many years accumulating field experience, don't be fooled," the plumber advised. "Once you step onto a construction site, your experience level is immediately apparent."

This sentiment is echoed by many in the trade who acknowledge the continuous learning curve. "The more you understand plumbing, the more you fear it; there are too many small details," one commenter noted. Another added, "Plumbing is a lifelong learning process, and your tools will only multiply." The consensus is that mastery comes not just from knowledge, but from countless hours of practical problem-solving and hard work, making it a profession that is both challenging and difficult for AI to truly master.

The more you understand plumbing, the more you fear it; there are too many small details.

— Plumbing professionalHighlighting the intricate nature and continuous learning involved in the plumbing profession.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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