Gen Z Shifts to Blue-Collar Careers Amid AI Concerns
A recent survey conducted by Resume Builder has uncovered a significant trend among Gen Z adults: they’re increasingly turning to traditional trade jobs amid fears that artificial intelligence (AI) will soon replace many white-collar careers. The survey polled over 1,400 Gen Z adults between the ages of 18 and 28, revealing that 42% are currently working in or pursuing blue-collar or skilled trade jobs.
These trades include plumbing, welding, and electrical work, with 37% of those holding a bachelor’s degree also opting for such careers. The survey found that almost a third of respondents believe trade jobs offer better long-term prospects, while a quarter think these roles are less likely to be automated by AI.
“More Gen Z college graduates are turning to trade careers and for good reason,” said Stacie Haller, Resume Builder’s Chief Career Advisor. “Trade jobs offer hands-on work that’s difficult to automate. Additionally, many grads find their degrees don’t lead to careers in their field, prompting them to explore more practical, in-demand alternatives.”
The trend is particularly notable given that, in the past, college degrees typically led to better-paying jobs than blue-collar work. However, the rising cost of college education appears to be a significant factor in this shift. The average cost of college in the United States has more than doubled over the past 24 years to $38,270 per student per year, according to the Education Data Initiative.
Many Gen Z adults are deterred by the prospect of burdensome college loans. The survey found that 19% of those currently working in trades were unable to find jobs in their field of study, while 16% of those who initially landed white-collar roles eventually quit for trade jobs that potentially offered higher pay.
This shift is part of a broader trend reported by The Wall Street Journal last year, which dubbed Gen Z “the toolbelt generation.” As college enrollment declines, vocational training is on the rise. The number of students in vocational-focused community colleges increased by 16% last year, with significant growth in areas like construction trades (23% over five years) and HVAC and vehicle repair training (7% increase).
The trend is driven in part by the realization that a college degree no longer guarantees economic security, especially with AI-driven layoff threats looming. As one young man working at a Ford plant told the Associated Press, “If I would have gone to college after school, I would be dead broke.” At 19, he’s earning $24 an hour with no student debt, exemplifying the appeal of skilled trades for many in Gen Z.
