Today’s young people are seeking careers that are hard to automate. Guess where they’re finding them? In the very places we’ve been overlooking for decades—the skilled trades that keep our world running.
The Quiet Revolution in Career Choices
While the world might suggest a gloomy outlook, there’s nothing but bright opportunity brewing in the career landscape. Gen Z is quietly leading a revolution—42% are either working in or actively training for blue-collar careers according to recent research. That’s not just a trend; it’s a fundamental shift in how we think about work and security.
Here’s what really blows my mind though… 37% of these trade-bound Gen Zers already hold bachelor’s degrees. They’re not avoiding education—they’re rethinking what education should lead to. They’ve done the math and realized that while AI might be coming for entry-level tech jobs, it’s not showing up to fix your plumbing or rewire your house anytime soon.
Breaking Through the Invisible Barrier
Here’s the surprising truth: 76% of Gen Z say college was actively encouraged in high school, but only 31% remember trade school even being mentioned. That’s quite the information gap! We’ve been steering young people toward one path while quietly ignoring another that’s equally valuable.
The stigma around trade careers is perhaps the biggest hurdle. There’s this lingering perception that working with your hands is somehow less prestigious than working at a desk. But let me tell you—there’s nothing more prestigious than building something tangible, solving real-world problems, and earning a great living while doing it.
The data shows that 59% of Gen Z who didn’t apply to apprenticeships said it was simply because they didn’t know enough about them. Knowing about these options opens doors – and man, we need to throw those doors wide open!
More Than Just a Paycheck—Finding Meaning in Work
What really makes these careers stand out isn’t just the automation resistance—it’s the profound sense of purpose they provide. There’s something deeply satisfying about looking at a completed project and saying, “I built that” or “I fixed that.” It’s tangible evidence of your skill and effort.
These roles demand resilience, problem-solving, and a willingness to work in dynamic environments. They’re not just jobs—they’re crafts that require continuous learning and adaptation. The trades are rewarding because they combine mental challenge with physical accomplishment—a combination that’s increasingly rare in our digital world.
And let’s talk about entrepreneurship opportunities. Fields like lawn care, pressure washing, car detailing, and residential cleaning are thriving. One Grant recipient launched a cleaning business with a vacuum and $100 of supplies—today, her company generates about $500,000 a year. Now THAT’S the kind of real-world success story that makes me want to stand up and cheer!
Practical Steps Toward a Rewarding Path
If you’re considering whether a trade career might be the right fit, here’s some practical wisdom: shadow a tradesperson, take a summer job with a service business, or join a pre-apprenticeship program. Get your hands dirty—literally! Watching my kid figure out how things work reminds me – the best learning often happens hands-on.
Applications for plumbing and electrical programs are rising by as much as 30%, with many citing job security as the primary motivator. That’s not just a statistical blip—it’s a smart response to an uncertain economic landscape.
Remember: not every career is right for every person, and that’s perfectly fine. The key is making an informed choice rather than following the crowd. College may very well be worth it if that’s where your career passion leads—but it shouldn’t be the default simply because it’s the only path we talk about.
Building a New Narrative Together
We need a new narrative that puts vocational education on equal footing with university. Until then, too many young people will be led down a costly path that doesn’t match the reality of today’s job market. The more we amplify success stories from the trades—in schools and across culture—the more young people will see these careers for what they truly are: resilient, rewarding, and full of opportunity.
What’s possible when hard work and ambition meet opportunity? Everything.
People are leaving desk jobs, starting blue collar businesses, earning more, working on their own terms, and doing meaningful work that matters. That’s not just a career—that’s a life well lived. Seeing my daughter build with blocks reminds me – we’re all builders at heart, creating things that last.
As the seasons bring change, it’s bringing change to how we think about work too. The future isn’t about choosing between college and trades—it’s about having the wisdom to choose what’s right for each individual, and the courage to value all forms of work equally.
Source: Why ‘Old School’ Jobs Meet The New Criteria For A Rewarding Career, Forbes, 2025/09/09 17:00:00