Gen Z and Skilled Trades - Gen Z is increasingly turning to blue-collar work for job security [1] - Approximately 40% of Gen Z workers are choosing skilled trades [1] - Gen Z accounted for nearly 25% of new hires in skilled trade roles last year, despite comprising only 14% of the total working population [3] Motivations and Trends - Skilled trades offer stability without incurring major debt, attracting 18 to 28-year-olds [2] - Rising tuition costs and job security fears in white-collar roles, coupled with AI threats, are driving trade school enrollment among Gen Z [3] - Social media platforms like TikTok are being used to share the benefits of trade careers and inspire others [2][4] Job Security and Demand - Skilled trade jobs are perceived as being always in demand and resistant to AI replacement [5] - Tradespeople feel a sense of importance and value due to the essential services they provide [5]

Education & Career Trends - A generation was strongly encouraged to pursue university education, often incurring significant debt [1] - The rationale was that technology would automate trade jobs, making university degrees a safer option [2] - However, the opposite has occurred, with skilled trades like electricians and plumbers becoming highly lucrative [2] - Trade professionals can earn $200,000 annually, potentially reaching a combined household income of $400,000 with no debt [3] - A debt-free $400,000 income may be preferable to a doctor's $1 million income burdened by debt [3] - Many graduates are saddled with $300,000 in debt and struggle to repay it [4] - The perception of job security may be flawed, with engineers potentially facing greater automation risks than welders and plumbers in the short term [4]