A growing number of Gen Z individuals are opting for blue-collar careers over traditional college degrees, and several surveys and studies support this trend
Survey Insights
- Intuit Credit Karma & Harris Poll: A 2024 survey found that 50% of Gen Z respondents plan to enter trades professions, compared to 23% of the general U.S. population. Additionally, 78% of Americans have noticed increased interest among young adults in pursuing trade careers
- Intelligent.com: In a survey of 1,000 Gen Z individuals, 32% expressed plans to work in blue-collar jobs, with 1 in 6 considering a switch from white-collar to blue-collar careers due to concerns about AI’s impact on office jobs.
- Angi Survey: Gen Z trade professionals are nearly twice as likely to own their own businesses compared to their college-educated peers, highlighting the entrepreneurial opportunities within trades.
Reasons Behind the Shift
Rising College Costs: The increasing cost of higher education and the burden of student debt make trade careers more appealing.
Job Security and Demand: Skilled trades are in high demand, offering stable employment opportunities as older workers retire.
AI and Automation Concerns: Many Gen Z individuals believe that trade jobs are less susceptible to automation compared to white-collar jobs.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Trade careers often provide paths to self-employment and business ownership.
Enrollment Trends
Over the last few years, enrollment patterns in post-secondary education have undergone a major transformation—especially among Gen Z (born roughly 1997–2012). While college enrollment has declined, trade school and vocational program enrollment has risen sharply. This reflects changing attitudes toward education, debt, and career stability.
Quick Path to Employment: Many trade programs take only 6–24 months to complete, versus 4+ years for a degree.
According to the National Student Clearinghouse, trade-focused programs—such as construction, HVAC, automotive, and electrical work—have seen double-digit percentage increases in enrollment.
Global Perspective
This trend isn’t limited to the U.S. In Australia, young individuals are also turning to trades over higher education due to economic constraints and the desire for immediate income.
In summary, the shift among Gen Z toward blue-collar careers is supported by multiple surveys and studies, reflecting changing attitudes toward education, employment, and financial stability.
