Today's Read Team 
As the job market continues to shift under the weight of rising college tuition costs, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) disruption, many members of Generation Z are turning to blue-collar and trade professions as a viable alternative to traditional office jobs. Faced with the daunting prospect of entering an uncertain job market, young adults are finding new opportunities and stability in fields once seen as less glamorous. The shift away from four-year degrees is creating a ripple effect in industries like landscaping, construction, and healthcare, which have experienced an uptick in younger workers seeking immediate opportunities and a more hands-on approach to their careers.
A Changing Landscape for Generation Z
Zechariah Osburn, 23, and Ryan Daniels, 25, are two examples of young people choosing to forgo the traditional four-year college route in favor of starting their own businesses and pursuing careers in skilled labor. Osburn, who runs a landscaping business, and Daniels, who specializes in pressure washing services, have both embraced the opportunities that come with working in a trade. They aren’t alone. A growing number of Gen Z workers are finding themselves drawn to the benefits of skilled labor, from higher job security and faster income generation to the promise of a more balanced work-life schedule.
“Not having to take on tens of thousands of dollars in debt, and seeing the flexibility of work in trades, it’s been a no-brainer for me,” said Osburn, reflecting on his decision to bypass college and build his own career in landscaping. According to recent data, nearly one in four young Americans are now opting for vocational training or entering trade careers rather than enrolling in traditional higher education. This change in direction has also been fueled by a perceived decline in job security in traditionally white-collar industries like tech and consulting, where roles are increasingly at risk of being automated or replaced by AI.
The Economic Pressures Pushing Young Workers Toward Trades
Rising tuition costs and the subsequent burden of student loan debt have weighed heavily on Gen Z’s decision to rethink higher education. With an average student loan debt of approximately $23,000, many young Americans are reconsidering the return on investment for a four-year degree, especially when they could enter a trade with little or no debt.
The U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that college enrollment has been on the decline since the early 2020s. For instance, between 2020 and 2021, enrollment dropped by about 3.1%. However, trade school enrollment has steadily increased, particularly in sectors like renewable energy, healthcare, and infrastructure, which all provide ample opportunities for growth and stability.
For instance, the renewable energy sector alone is expected to create 3 million new jobs by 2030, and healthcare roles are also predicted to grow by an estimated 15% over the next decade. These booming industries are providing Gen Z with a wealth of opportunities, many of which don’t require a four-year degree.
The Role of Technology and Social Media in Shaping Perceptions
Social media plays a significant role in reshaping the narrative around blue-collar work. Influencers across platforms like TikTok and YouTube have helped bring trade careers into the limelight by showcasing the day-in-the-life experiences of workers in fields like construction, plumbing, and even niche areas like pressure washing. Videos of workers restoring homes, installing solar panels, or even designing landscapes have gone viral, giving young people a firsthand look at the potential for success in these industries.
Daniels, who runs his pressure washing business in a suburban neighborhood, credits social media with helping him establish a solid customer base and attract younger clients. “It’s not just about what you do—it’s about how you share it. Social media lets you tell your story and market your business,” he explained.
Technological tools, especially those powered by AI, are also playing a pivotal role in transforming how young entrepreneurs manage their trades. Platforms designed for scheduling, customer management, and invoicing are making it easier than ever to run a small business. With AI-powered systems, young entrepreneurs can handle logistics, optimize job routes, and even analyze market trends—all with just a few clicks.
Trade Jobs Are Gaining Respect
Despite the long-standing societal bias toward four-year degrees, vocational paths are steadily gaining respect among younger generations. No longer viewed as “plan B” options, skilled labor jobs are now seen as valuable, well-paying, and critical to the functioning of modern society.
Many of these jobs provide immediate income, with some trades offering starting salaries that rival or exceed those of entry-level office positions. For instance, a licensed electrician or plumber can easily earn six figures, often without the burden of student debt. Additionally, job security is often more stable in the trades, as industries like construction and healthcare remain relatively unaffected by technological changes, unlike the more vulnerable tech and consulting sectors.
Moreover, the potential for upward mobility is significant. Unlike traditional office jobs, where advancement can be slow and highly competitive, skilled trades often offer a direct route to business ownership or specialization. “I’m building something that’s mine, and that’s rewarding,” says Daniels, who is planning to expand his pressure washing business and hire employees in the coming years.
The Future of Gen Z and Trade Careers
As Generation Z continues to carve out their place in the workforce, it’s clear that the traditional narrative around higher education is being reevaluated. For many young people, especially those in need of a stable, debt-free career, trade professions are proving to be a viable and attractive option. With the rise of automation and AI in white-collar jobs, these professions offer both job security and financial independence.
While the debate between college and trade school is likely to continue, the trend among Gen Z seems to indicate that skilled labor is becoming a respected and appealing alternative. Whether in renewable energy, healthcare, or construction, young workers are taking control of their futures in ways that previous generations could not have imagined.
By: Lila Connors