For decades, university education has been heralded as the cornerstone of success, the expected path for ambitious young people aiming for financial security and professional achievement. A path no doubt encouraged by their parents. But for many members of Gen Z, this narrative is shifting. Across the U.S. and beyond, young people increasingly opt for vocational training and careers in the skilled trades over traditional four-year degrees.
It’s an emerging trend that is proving to be more than a preference; it’s a deliberate, values-driven decision influenced by economic realities, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a reevaluation of what constitutes success and stability in a world different than the one in which their parents and grandparents grew up.
The Changing Landscape of Higher Education
The financial burden of a university education is one of the most significant factors driving Gen Z toward the trades. Student loan debt in the U.S. has reached over $1.8 trillion, with the average borrower carrying nearly $40,000 in debt. For many young people, the prospect of incurring such a financial obligation is understandably unappealing, especially when the return on investment for certain degrees feels uncertain.
In contrast, trade school offers a more affordable and time-efficient pathway to a career. Programs at community colleges or vocational schools typically cost a fraction of a four-year degree and often lead to well-paying jobs immediately after completion. For example, skilled tradespeople such as electricians, plumbers, and welders can earn starting salaries comparable to even higher than some entry-level roles for university graduates.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians earned a median annual wage of $60,040 in 2022, while the median salary for liberal arts graduates was $50,000. Financial pragmatism is central to Gen Z’s values. Having grown up during the Great Recession and seen the challenges Millennials faced with student debt, many in this generation are determined to avoid the same pitfalls.
The Role of the Pandemic in Shaping Career Choices
The COVID-10 pandemic was a defining moment for Gen Z, notably in how it disrupted their education, and forced many to reconsider their priorities. Remote learning during the pandemic underscored the limitations of traditional educational models and highlighted the importance of practical, hands-on skills that could directly translate into job opportunities.
Additionally, like the front-line workers such as grocery store employees, the pandemic brought widespread recognition of the essential nature of trade work. Plumbers, electricians, and healthcare technicians were among the workers deemed indispensable during lockdown, while many white-collar roles experienced layoffs or transitioned to remote environments that felt isolating for young people. The newfound focus on trade workers, combined with job stability in those sectors, likely influenced many Gen Zers to explore careers in these fields.
K-12 Education’s Influence on Career Pathways
Shifts in K-12 education are also playing a significant role in the rise of interest in the trades. Across the country, schools are placing a greater emphasis on career and technical education (CTE) programs, which aim to provide students with practical skills and direct pathways to employment. According to the Association for Career and Technical Education, nearly 8 million secondary school students are enrolled in CTE courses in the U.S., with programs spanning industries such as construction, healthcare, and information technology.
CTE programs often partner with local businesses, unions, and trade schools to offer hands-on learning experiences and internships. In Washinton State, the Core Plus program allows high school students to gain training in manufacturing and aerospace trades while earning high school credits. In a similar program, Tennessee’s “Drive to 55” initiative provides dual-enrollment opportunities for students to earn college credits in trade-specific fields.
These programs are not only equipping students with marketable skills but are also challenging the stigma that still exists around trade careers. Introducing students to the trades early and highlighting their earning potential helps schools shift the perception of vocational training from just a “backup plan” to a viable first choice.
In addition, K-12 education reforms are increasingly focusing on personalized learning pathways. Gen Z students are encouraged to pursue careers that align with their interests and strengths, whether that involves university or the trades. It is an individualized approach that helps encourage a sense of agency among young people and gives them the power to choose career paths that best suit their goals and values.
A Reimagined View of Success
Unlike previous generations, Gen Z values work-life balance, mental health, and meaningful work over climbing the corporate ladder. They are less likely to be swayed by traditional markers of success, such as a corner office or an impressive degree, and are more likely to prioritize careers that align with their personal values and allow them to live comfortably without financial strain.
Trade jobs offer a tangible sense of accomplishment and purpose, Building a house, repairing essential infrastructure, or providing vital healthcare services gives workers the satisfaction of seeing the immediate impact of their labor. Contrast that feeling with some office roles, where contributions can often feel abstract or worse, be undervalued. Many trades also offer opportunities for entrepreneurship, a path that appeals to Gen Z’s desire for autonomy. For example, a licensed electrician can start their own business, work on their own terms, and even scale their operations as they gain experience.
Breaking Stereotypes
The stigma surrounding trade work has also diminished in recent years, thanks to social media and a growing awareness of the demand for skilled labor. TikTok and YouTube have provided a stage for tradespeople to share their craft and lifestyle, normalizing and even glamorizing these professions. Creators such as @plumbingprincess and @coffmanconstruction have gained large followings by showcasing the financial benefits and rewarding aspects of their work in construction and plumbing.
As the U.S. grapples with a skilled labor shortage– estimated at 546,000 unfilled trade jobs in 2023 alone– employers and policymakers are emphasizing the importance of these roles. Apprenticeship programs and initiatives like SkillsUSA are gaining traction, offering young people a clear and supported path into the trades.
As society continues to adapt to a post-pandemic landscape, the rise of the trades may offer a solution to pressing outdated narratives about career prestige. Gen Z’s pivot to the trades is reflective of a broader cultural shift– one that prioritizes financial independence, personal fulfillment, and meaningful contributions to society over traditional notions of success. It’s a cue that the future workforce is being shaped by Gen Z’s unique blend of pragmatism and idealism. For them, the trades are more than just a career choice– they represent a new vision of success, one built on their terms.
