A recent survey has revealed a significant shift among Gen Z, with many young adults opting for blue-collar and skilled trade jobs instead of traditional white-collar careers. This trend is largely driven by concerns over job security in the face of increasing automation and artificial intelligence.
The survey, conducted by Resume Builder, involved over 1,400 adults aged 18 to 28. It found that 42% of Gen Z respondents are either working in or pursuing trade jobs, such as plumbing, welding, or electrical work. Notably, this includes 37% of those who hold a bachelor’s degree.
Many of those surveyed believe that trade jobs offer better long-term prospects. About a third of respondents mentioned this as a key reason for their choice, while 25% felt these roles are less likely to be replaced by AI. Stacie Haller, Chief Career Advisor at Resume Builder, highlighted that trade jobs provide hands-on work that is hard to automate. She noted that many graduates find their degrees do not lead to jobs in their fields, prompting them to seek more practical and in-demand alternatives.
The survey also revealed that nearly one in five Gen Z individuals working in trades could not find jobs related to their studies. Among those who initially secured white-collar positions, 16% left those roles for trade jobs, often due to better pay.
This trend marks a notable change from previous decades when college degrees typically promised higher earnings compared to blue-collar jobs. As the cost of higher education continues to rise—now averaging over $38,000 per year in the U.S.—many Gen Zers are wary of accumulating student debt.
The interest in trade jobs is reflected in the growing enrollment in vocational programs. Reports show a 16% increase in students attending community colleges focused on vocational training, the highest level since 2018. Fields like construction trades have seen a 23% rise in students over five years, while HVAC and vehicle repair training has increased by 7%.
An Associated Press article from 2023 echoed these findings, noting that rising tuition costs are pushing young people away from traditional college paths. One young man working at a Ford plant shared his experience, stating that if he had pursued college, he would likely be in debt. Instead, he earns $24 an hour at just 19 years old, without any student loans.
The shift towards trade jobs among Gen Z reflects a broader reevaluation of the value of higher education and the changing landscape of job security in an age of automation.