Construction business owner Brenden Morrissey has encouraged young Australians to consider apprenticeships rather than university, arguing that skilled trades offer more secure long-term work as artificial intelligence changes white-collar employment. He said construction would remain necessary and was less likely to be automated, contrasting it with roles such as investment banking that he believes could face technological disruption.

Morrissey, 35, founded modular construction company Strive Modular with his wife Holly on the Central Coast in January. The business employs ten people, including plumbers and electricians, and he said practical trades could provide a stronger career path for young people, while stressing that he still respects those who choose university.