DeWalt study finds 90% of construction workers expect AI to be indispensable within five years but only 8% use it on the job

Construction Workers Want AI Training, But Few Have Access

Ninety percent of construction professionals believe artificial intelligence will be essential within five years, yet only 8% currently use it on the job. A national study by DeWalt, the professional tools brand owned by Stanley Black & Decker, found that construction workers are eager to adopt AI but lack the formal training needed to apply it effectively.

The disconnect is stark. Eighty-seven percent of respondents said AI education must be embedded in trade schools and technical programs. Fifty-nine percent want hands-on training tied to real construction tasks. Instead, most workers rely on YouTube videos (40%), online platforms like Coursera (39%), and informal self-directed learning.

Where AI is Already Being Used

Among early adopters, AI is appearing in three main areas. Forty-six percent are exploring it for site operations and monitoring. The same share is using it during planning and design phases. Forty-one percent are applying AI to estimation, procurement, and supply chain processes.

These early users report tangible benefits. Thirty-five percent cite increased productivity. Thirty-four percent point to cost savings. Another 35% say AI improves quality control.

Adoption Will Accelerate

Construction professionals expect rapid adoption ahead. Eighty-eight percent anticipate increased AI use over the next year. Eighty-three percent believe it will become standard within three years.

Yet 37% are only piloting and researching AI. Most jobsites have not integrated it into daily workflows.

Training Initiatives Begin

DeWalt is launching a pilot program with the Associated Builders and Contractors Central Florida chapter to deliver hands-on AI training for apprentices and early-career professionals. The company committed $75,000 to ABC's Trimmer Construction Education Fund to support AI-related initiatives across ABC chapters nationwide.

DeWalt is also supporting ABC's monthly AI Toolbox Talks webinar series, which reaches 24,000 member companies. The sessions cover adoption strategies, project design applications, robotics, and quality control.

Bill Beck, president of tools and outdoors at Stanley Black & Decker, said the goal is straightforward: "These educational programs are about giving early-career workers and current pros access to the tools and skills that will matter on tomorrow's jobsites."

For construction professionals seeking to build AI skills, AI for Real Estate & Construction courses and AI Productivity Courses offer targeted training aligned with jobsite workflows and operational needs.