A growing number of young adults in Generation Z are turning away from desk jobs and toward careers in skilled trades. According to a recent survey by Resume Builder of over 1,400 Gen Z adults, 42% are already working in trade professions, and 37% of those in trades hold a bachelor’s degree. This trend marks a significant shift in the priorities and expectations of the newest generation entering the workforce.
One of the key drivers behind this movement is the perception that blue-collar jobs offer greater stability and financial incentives compared to many traditional white-collar roles. Many Gen Zers are concerned about the future impact of artificial intelligence on the job market, believing that hands-on trade work is less likely to be automated. This concern is amplified by the challenges many face in finding well-paying jobs after earning college degrees, even as student debt continues to rise.
Stacie Haller, Resume Builder’s Chief Career Advisor, highlights that more college graduates are exploring trade careers specifically because these roles are practical, in-demand, and resistant to automation. She notes that many graduates discover their degrees do not guarantee employment in their chosen fields, prompting them to seek out more reliable alternatives.
The survey also reveals a gender gap in trade career interest: men are far more likely to pursue these jobs than women, with only 30% of Gen Z women expressing interest in trade careers. Despite this disparity, the overall enthusiasm for blue-collar work among Gen Z is reshaping the workforce and challenging long-held assumptions about the value of a four-year degree.
Ultimately, Gen Z’s embrace of trade jobs reflects a broader reevaluation of what makes a career worthwhile, prioritizing stability, tangible results, and work that is difficult to automate over the traditional promise of office life