A new survey from ResumeBuilder.com reveals a growing trend among Gen Z adults: a strong shift away from the traditional college-to-career path in favor of blue-collar and skilled trade jobs. The survey, conducted online by Pollfish, polled 1,434 U.S. adults aged 18 to 28 and highlights a notable generational pivot driven by practical career motivations, economic realities, and concerns about AI replacing white-collar roles.
Trade Jobs Rising: Gen Z’s New Career Path
-
42% of Gen Zers are currently working in or pursuing a trade or blue-collar job.
-
37% of Gen Z college grads are in or planning to enter trades.
-
Among Gen Z college graduates:
-
34% are already in a trade role
-
3% plan to pursue one
-
The shift reflects a generational rethinking of career strategies, especially among those who feel their degrees have not led to expected outcomes.
AI and Job Security: A Driving Factor
-
Many Gen Zers see trade jobs as safer from automation compared to traditional white-collar careers.
-
Trades offer hands-on work that’s harder to outsource or automate.
-
As AI reshapes job markets, trade roles are seen as resilient and essential.
“Many are concerned about AI replacing traditional white-collar roles, while trade jobs offer hands-on work that’s difficult to automate,”
— Stacie Haller, Chief Career Advisor, ResumeBuilder.com
The Gender Divide
-
46% of Gen Z men with a college degree are working in or planning to enter the trades.
-
In contrast, only 27% of Gen Z women with a degree are considering trade careers.
-
Overall:
-
48% of Gen Z men are in or pursuing trades
-
30% of Gen Z women are doing the same
-
This suggests a gendered perception of trade careers, despite their broad economic appeal.
For Those Skipping College: Practical Reasons Rule
Among Gen Zers who didn’t pursue higher education:
-
60% want to start earning sooner
-
40% want to avoid student loan debt
-
Other motivations:
-
Strong income potential without a degree
-
Job security and lower automation risk
-
Preference for hands-on, non-classroom learning
-
Trade roles offer a faster, more direct path to employment and freedom from college debt benefits that resonate with young adults seeking stability and independence.
Expert Insight
“Trade jobs offer a smart and rewarding path for many… They provide faster entry into the workforce, often without the burden of student debt, and also offer strong job security,”
— Stacie Haller, ResumeBuilder.com
This quote underscores the appeal of trade careers in an age where traditional college degrees may not guarantee employment in a chosen field.
ResumeBuilder.com’s latest survey paints a clear picture: Gen Z is redefining success by moving away from conventional career paths and embracing practical, stable, and in-demand trade roles. The motivations are clear job security, early earning potential, freedom from debt, and protection from AI disruption.
As the job market evolves, so too must our understanding of what a successful career path looks like. For Gen Z, the trades are looking smarter than ever.
