Gen Z is Looking to Trade Schools for Lifelong Careers

The perception of blue-collar work is transforming in the US. More people are looking to trade schools for lifelong careers. A four-year college used to be the golden ticket to a career, but now many Gen Zers are taking a different career path that stops at a trade school. So, why is Gen Z looking to trade schools?

Why is Gen Z Looking to Trade School for Lifelong Careers?

There are many reasons Gen Z chooses to become a trade professional. They include:

Lifelong Careers

Gen Z sees artificial intelligence on the horizon and knows it is coming for many white-collar jobs. Those office jobs that college graduates once coveted are falling victim to AI. Bookkeepers and entry-level accountants are being replaced by artificial intelligence. Not only can AI create cash flow statements and balance sheets, but they can use the overwhelming amount of data to predict the future, helping business owners make better business decisions. Once the domain of college graduates, the accounting field welcomes AI to replace the human element.
Knowing that artificial intelligence is coming helps shape Gen Z’s outlook on their future. They are increasingly looking for trade jobs. According to a study from Credit Karma, 50% of Gen Zers who didn’t currently work in the trades said they plan to start working in a blue-collar capacity.1 They are becoming HVAC technicians, electricians, and welders, knowing it is a lifelong career. An excellent job to go to school for, obtain a license, and enjoy advancement opportunities throughout their career. There will always be a need for highly trained trade professionals.

Demand for Trade Professionals

The demand for critical skilled roles is projected to grow more than 20 times the annual net increase in overall jobs from 2022 to 2032.2 These critical skilled roles include electricians, ironworkers, pipe fitters, welders, HVAC technicians, electrical lineworkers, and solar photovoltaic installers.

Electricians – the projected growth of electricians in the next decade is projected to grow 11 percent through 2033.3 As construction continues, electricians will be needed to wire residential and commercial structures to provide light and to power electrical devices commonplace in most homes and businesses.

HVAC Technicians -The projected growth of electricians in the next decade is 9 percent from 2023 to 2033.4 Extreme weather conditions are expected to continue, which means hotter summers and colder winters. The HVAC technician in any community is the go-to when the temperature is unbearable. Therefore, HVAC technicians will be in high demand for the foreseeable future.

Electrical Lineworkers – The projected growth of electricians in the next decade is 8 percent from 2023 to 2033.5 With new infrastructure spending, more roads mean a need for electrical lineworkers. The demand for those jobs will continue to grow as the need for electricity increases.

Want to Learn More?

At Tulsa Welding School, we are dedicated to helping you change your life and leading you to lifetime fulfillment and success. In addition to our supportive faculty and staff, our hands-on training programs are created with feedback from companies that employ skilled trades professionals. We train you in the types of skills that employers look for in a worker.

To learn more about our trade programs, contact us at Tulsa Welding School or call (214) 227-9911.

1) https://www.creditkarma.com/about/commentary/gen-z-drives-a-resurgence-in-blue-collar-work
2) https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/tradespeople-wanted-the-need-for-critical-trade-skills-in-the-us
3) https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm#tab-6
4) https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-6
5) https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/line-installers-and-repairers.htm