Leaning Toward Skilled Trades
Gen Z has been called a lot of names, but one of the newest nicknames is perhaps the most interesting — and the most telling: the “toolbelt generation.” That’s because Gen Z has shown an incredible interest in learning specialized blue-collar jobs and pursuing skilled trades or positions that require a particular skill set, knowledge, or ability, like carpentry, computer programming, or welding. Instead of relying on traditional college degrees, this generation is exploring other lucrative education options. Leaning Toward Skilled Trades.
Interest in attending trade school has nearly doubled among teens and adults since 2017 and shows no signs of slowing down. The uptick is driven by Gen Z but also includes people from every generation. It presents a tipping point for higher education and hiring. Students (and employers) see the value of exploring other skilled trade options.
“In 2025, interest in skilled trades will continue to accelerate among young Gen Z, who increasingly view these careers as a more practical and rewarding alternative to traditional career paths,” said Tracy Lorenz, president of the for-profit Universal Technical Institute. “For a growing number, the skilled trades may offer a faster path to a career that aligns with their interests and goals.”
Why the increased interest in skilled trades? Here are five reasons:
- Less confidence in higher education. A four-year traditional degree used to be a right of passage for students. But with rising costs, crippling student debt, and a general mistrust of higher education, Gen Z is looking at other options. Confidence in higher education in the U.S. has dropped by 21% in the last decade.
- Financial freedom. Gen Z has the lowest student loan debt of any generation, but an average debt of nearly $23,000 is still significant. Skilled trades offer financial freedom with shorter, less expensive programs that help students enter the workforce faster, incur less debt, and earn a paycheck sooner.
- Matches Gen Z focus. Gen Z is bucking trends in a number of areas, including their focus on mental health, financial awareness, and being shaped by the digital age. Those traits combine to be a solid match for skilled trades, which can provide a more balanced approach to career training with a focus on digital solutions.
- Enrollment cliff pushes more students to trade schools. The impending high school enrollment cliff means fewer students will be applying to traditional higher education. And with fewer people following the traditional path, there’s more room. Schools are bracing for the looming “enrollment cliff”to explore and look for other opportunities.
- Employers are dropping degree requirements. Nearly half of all employers have either dropped degree requirements for positions or are on their way to doing so, shifting the focus from where a job candidate went to college to what they can contribute to the job. Many Gen Z-ers realize they can get the same job whether they spend four years (and tens of thousands of dollars) on a traditional degree or pursue skilled trade training.
Work and Education Changing
There’s no denying that the world of work and education is changing. Companies hire people with the proven skills and experience to get the job done.
Skilled trades provide opportunities to start or grow a career, without the risk and high cost of a degree. Employers embrace a new type of hiring. Trade School education can put students on the path to as much career success as the traditional path.
Gen Z is leading the charge as the toolbelt generation. The focus on skilled trades goes beyond manual work to many technology fields. That’s a trend that will likely continue with future generations. Skilled trades don’t show any signs of stepping out of the spotlight.
Source: Leaning Toward Skilled Trades
Amy Onuska, CEO, MyComputerCareer
