The potential effects of 3D printing on employment in the building and real estate sectors are a matter of some debate. It is unclear at this time whether or not 3D printing will result in significant job losses in the construction industry.
The possibility of greatly reducing the time and cost of building and constructing structures is one of the main arguments in favor of using 3D printing in construction. Developers and contractors may be able to save money thanks to 3D printing because it streamlines the construction process and reduces the need for labor-intensive tasks. Potential construction industry job losses may result from the automation or outsourcing of previously human-performed tasks.
On the other hand, 3D printing in construction has the potential to open up fresh career paths in the field. In order to operate and maintain 3D printers, as well as to design and plan 3D printed structures, qualified professionals may be required. There is also the possibility that new industries and businesses will spring up in response to the advent of 3D printing, thereby generating additional employment opportunities.
We still don’t know how widespread 3D printing will be, or what effect it will have on the construction and real estate industries in terms of employment. It is unclear at this time whether or not widespread job losses or gains will result from the advent of 3D printing in the construction industry.
About the Author: Reynaldo Santana
Author, Ph.D. Candidate in 3D Printing Construction, Ted Talk Speaker, 3D Printing Consultant & Mastermind Group Creator.
References:
“3D Printing in the Construction Industry: The Future of Building” (https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/3d-printing-in-construction-industry)
“The Future of 3D Printing in Construction: Materials, Applications, and Challenges” (https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/13/4/723/htm)