The rise of trade jobs in the Gen Z workforce

[UNITED STATES] Two years ago, John Smith sat down to complete the Common Application for college. Though he had always been a good student and his parents had encouraged him to pursue higher education, he dreaded the thought of spending years behind a desk. At midnight, during his senior year, Smith made a decision that would change his path. "I felt like a fraud," he says, recalling his hesitation.

Smith’s doubt reflects a wider generational shift. While older millennials were taught that a college degree was the key to success, many in Gen Z are now questioning whether the traditional four-year degree is still the best route to financial stability. Stories of graduates burdened by debt and struggling to find jobs have become more prevalent on social media, contributing to this skepticism. For Smith, the decision to leave behind the college route wasn't just about avoiding debt; it was about taking control of his future.

Lacking the money for college and uncertain about his career direction, Smith chose to grow his landscaping side business into a full-time venture instead of sinking into student loans and spending years in search of meaning. Now, at 20, Smith is the owner of Z's Exterior Services, a landscaping company in northern Virginia that offers lawn care, mulching, power washing, and other services. He has hired a small team and has plans to continue expanding. Though he may not have experienced the typical college life, he still enjoys moments of it when he visits his girlfriend.

The demand for skilled trades and hands-on services has risen in recent years, as fewer young people enter these fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in landscaping and groundskeeping is expected to grow by 5% through 2032, faster than the average for most occupations. Unlike many white-collar jobs, which are vulnerable to automation, these roles require physical labor and problem-solving abilities that AI cannot easily replicate. For entrepreneurs like Smith, this stability offers a major appeal.

While Smith may not have a passion for mulching, he finds fulfillment in running his business and delighting his customers. "How much work you put in is how much return you're going to get," he explains. He contrasts this with the effort and cost of obtaining a degree, noting how some people accumulate debt only to struggle with finding employment.

This perspective is shared by an increasing number of young workers opting for apprenticeships, vocational training, or entrepreneurship over a traditional college degree. Programs like Mike Rowe’s "Work Ethic Scholarship" and state-funded trade initiatives are gaining popularity as alternatives that promise solid employment prospects without the burden of student loans. For many in Gen Z, the equation is clear: why risk accumulating debt for a degree when a practical skill can offer immediate income and long-term security?

The rising cost of college tuition and growing uncertainty in many white-collar fields are pushing many Gen Zers to consider alternative career paths.

Americans are becoming less confident in the value of a college degree. A 2023 Gallup poll found that only 36% of respondents expressed "great deal" or "quite a lot" of confidence in higher education, down from 57% in 2015. A Pew Research study in 2024 revealed that only 22% of US adults felt college was worth the cost if it required taking on loans. Furthermore, a 2025 survey by Indeed found that Zoomers are more likely than other generations to view obtaining a degree as a waste of time and money. According to Experian, the average Gen Zer carries around $23,000 in student debt, and that weight is growing heavier as the very benefits they seek—work-life balance, financial security, and entrepreneurial freedom—seem to be evaporating from many white-collar jobs. Managers are recalling workers to the office, and generative AI tools are taking over tasks that were once reserved for entry-level employees.

At the same time, the demand for skilled tradespeople has soared. Jobs like electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians—once undervalued in favor of office roles—are now commanding higher wages, driven by labor shortages. The National Association of Home Builders reports that the median pay for construction managers exceeds $100,000, with many earning six figures through overtime and specialized skills. For Gen Zers like Smith, these roles provide a stable, lucrative alternative to the uncertainties of corporate life.

A survey from early career site Handshake found that 62% of college seniors who were familiar with AI tools expressed concern that automation would impact their job prospects, a sharp increase from 44% in 2023. Traditional entry-level positions in fields such as tech, consulting, recruiting, and law are all vulnerable to AI automation. The job market for recent college graduates deteriorated significantly in early 2025, with their unemployment rate rising to 5.8%, up from 4.6% the previous year, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Tariffs and global market uncertainties, such as those caused by President Donald Trump’s trade policies, have further dampened hiring efforts, leaving many white-collar workers feeling stuck in their current roles.

In contrast, blue-collar jobs—some of which offer stable, six-figure salaries—are beginning to look more appealing than ever.