I think it's not the tradeperson; it's assembly line worker. Skilled tradesmen like carpenters, welders, plumbers, electricians, etc are doing great. Those who worked on an assembly line are being phased out - those who welded, assembled, pushed the button, snapped together, etc are being replaced by improved technology.
You are right. The reason I worded it as I did is that my friends that are in the trades are mostly millwrights, welders, and other manufacturing related trades.
