Resume Builder’s survey of more than 1,400 Gen Z adults shows they are moving away from desk jobs to the trades because they believe trade jobs offer more stability and better financial incentives, according to Inc.
Gen Z adults also are gravitating toward the trades because they are concerned about artificial intelligence’s potential to eliminate white collar jobs and are having difficulty finding work after earning college degrees.
The survey shows 42% of Gen Z adults are working in the trades and 37% of them have a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, 48% of Gen Z men are working in or planning to enter the trades compared with 30% of Gen Z women.
The ability to earn income quickly was a top reason Gen Z wants to pursue trade jobs. Gen Z has seen previous generations struggle with student debt and views trade jobs as a more direct path to financial independence. Apprenticeships can help them earn an income while learning the job, and licenses and certifications for trades jobs typically are much cheaper and take less time than traditional college degrees.
Thirty-six percent of survey respondents said they prefer working with their hands, and more than 20% like the flexibility and autonomy the trades offer, including the potential to start their own business.
