Gen Z Seeks Trade Jobs Over College Degrees

For decades now, there has been a formula for life: graduate from high school, go to college, and then get a job. However, Gen Z is shaking things up – like they do – by opting out of college altogether. New data shows that Gen Z is trending toward trade jobs, which is a win-win for everyone. But why the change? And is it right for you?

Gen Z Ditches Degrees for Trades

According to National Student Clearinghouse, the number of students enrolled in vocational or trade programs increased by 16% from last year, which is the largest increase seen since the research center began collecting this type of data. In interviews with NPR and The Wall Street Journal, trade workers provided a variety of reasons for skipping college and going straight into the workforce.

More Job Security

Demand for trade jobs is higher than ever. In 2021, President Biden signed a $1.2 trillion infrastructure plan, paving the way for thousands of trade job openings. Plus, many electricians, plumbers, and installers are nearing retirement age, opening opportunities for younger employees to learn the trade and take over. Furthermore, in the last few years, it is white collar job holders that have experienced layoffs and job shortages, particularly those in technology-driven fields. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes more mainstream, it will be white collar jobs that will be largely impacted, whereas there will always be a need for vocational and trade workers.

No Debt, Start Savings

The Class of 2022 graduated from college with an average of $29,400 in student loan debt, according to CNN. Vocational and trade schools cost significantly less than four-year colleges, guaranteeing that graduates will not have to bear a huge loan burden. In fact, some trades enable workers to get paid while learning on the job. The faster path to a paycheck and minimal student loan debt enables vocational and trade workers to start saving for bigger purchases, like a car and a home, much sooner than their college graduate counterparts.

Sense of Accomplishment

Finally, Gen Z has discovered the satisfaction of developing a skill set that allows one to be creative and constructive, propelling them toward vocations and trades. Caroline Knight, a student in the Cabinet and Furniture Making program at North Bennett Street School in Boston, says, “Trade schools teach skills that are practical and challenging. It’s physically and mentally engaging work that doesn’t involve sitting on a computer all day, which I think is a draw for people who like to work with their hands and are burnt out from the corporate-like atmosphere.” She adds, “I like that I can actually see the progress I’m making in school. I can feel it in my body when I’m getting better at something and I can see the results in front of me, which is very rewarding.”

Further Vocational and Trade Education

Learning a trade can be completed in as little as a few months. Vocational and trade programs enable students to spend less time, and money, on their educational pursuits and start earning a salary sooner. However, for students who want to dive deep into a particular trade, there are two-year programs as well as apprenticeships. These avenues will allow graduates to firmly grasp the skill set they need to complete a trade and learn from trusted professionals and mentors.

Vocational and Trade Schools

There are a wide range of vocational and trade schools with an even wider array of offerings within each institution. Students can even begin their vo-tech education in high school through specific graduation tracks or high school course offerings. Like colleges, students should look for vocational and trade schools that are accredited. This means that the education you receive at a vo-tech school will be worthwhile, translating to career opportunities and advancement for you once you complete the program. The beauty of vocational and trade schools is that they can accommodate any student at any time in their lives. From high school graduates to retired professionals, the accessibility, flexibility, and low-cost, make trades an enticing educational pursuit. Knight sees this especially in her courses at North Bennett Street School. She states, “There’s a range from right out of high school to retired aged. Some left corporate jobs, medical careers, service industry jobs, and several are veterans.” 

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are alternatives to vocational or trade schools but offer the same result. Once you have completed an apprenticeship, you’ll be educated and certified to perform a specific job in an industry. There is one major difference, however. Apprenticeships offer on-the-job training and are oftentimes paid positions. This means that you can earn a salary while you’re learning a trade. Students can even begin an apprenticeship in high school, earning money while they learn before they graduate. In the last few years, the federal government has invested more than $440 million to expand apprenticeships programs, increasing capacity to over 1 million apprentices in the United States. The Office of Apprenticeship can help students find jobs and programs through their Apprenticeship Finder feature.

Trade School Scholarships

A vo-tech education can cost anywhere between $5,000 - $12,000 per year, according to Edvisors. To help offset costs even more, you can apply for trade school scholarships.

Floor Covering Education Foundation Scholarship

Deadline: Rolling Available to: College Freshmen through College Seniors Award Amount: Varies The FCEF Scholarship is available to students who are interested in learning about the flooring installation trade. Selection is based on references, goals, and video submission.

Kevin Phillips Scholarship

Deadline: Varies Available to: College Freshmen through College Seniors Award Amount: Varies The Kevin Phillips Scholarship is open to students pursuing a career in RV technician training. You must be a new high school graduate, leaving the military, or have tried college and found it wasn’t for you to be considered for this award.

WHVACR Scholarship

Deadline: Rolling Available to: College Freshmen through College Seniors Award Amount: $5,000 The WHVACR Scholarship is available to female students who are enrolled in a college or trade school program that is preparing them to enter the HVACR industry. You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be eligible for this award.

Caterpillar Student Trainee Program

Deadline: Varies Available to: High School Juniors through College Sophomores Award Amount: Varies The Student Trainee Program is open to high school juniors and seniors and full - time community college freshmen and sophomores. You must be at least 16 years of age and have a minimum 2.8 GPA to be eligible for this award. Trainees will have the opportunity to gain practical, challenging, and meaningful on-the-job work experience, while working for a global leader in innovation, technology, and manufacturing. Opportunities are available primarily in the Peoria, IL area, with limited opportunities throughout the United States.

Home Depot Foundation's Path to Pro Scholarship

Deadline: Varies Available to: High School Seniors through College Sophomores Award Amount: $2,000 The Home Depot Foundation's Path to Pro Scholarship is available to students who will enroll in an approved trade - related program at an accredited two - year technical / vocational school or college in the U.S. To be considered for this award, your focus must be on carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, or construction management. If you already know where your passion lies, consider yourself ahead of the curve. Students with a passion or talent within a specific field often consider attending a trade or vocational school, so they can focus on studies specific to their talents, skills and career desires.