Trade and technical careers are booming, and it’s easy to see why. More students are choosing practical, hands-on education that gets them into the workforce quickly, without the debt or delay that can come with a four-year degree. In fact, enrollments in vocational programs at community colleges jumped by 16 percent in 2023, showing a clear shift toward career-focused education.
For those working in higher education, this is a big deal. The demand for skilled trades is growing fast, and students are eager to enter these fields where job opportunities are plentiful. They want an education that’s directly linked to a career, not just theory.
So, why the shift? Why are trade and technical careers taking off, and how can colleges adjust to meet this shift? We gathered some interesting insights.
Vocational schools are experiencing growing interest from young people, but why? Four major reasons could provide some insight into the growth of trades and technical schools.
One of the biggest reasons for this shift is that higher education (ed) will not become more affordable soon. For example, tuition fees have been rising over the last two decades, regardless of whether the higher ed institution is private, in-state, or out-of-state.
For years, each generation has been taught that completing a degree guarantees a successful career. However, at what point will this potential benefit outweigh the literal costs? Just because students finish a degree doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll land a high-earning job. The job market is highly competitive, regardless of the industry.
As a result, many may pursue careers that require more cost-effective education — like trade and technical careers. For example, trade schools can cost about $15,000 in tuition fees, with some trade programs may only require $5,000 in tuition.
Generation Z is rethinking what career success looks like, and the traditional white-collar path just isn’t cutting it. They’ve seen how unstable office jobs can be, with layoffs, stressful work environments, and the looming idea of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. Add the rising cost of college, and it’s easy to see why many young people question if a four-year degree is worth it.
Hence the rise of blue-collar careers. Trades offer something different — work that’s practical, purpose-driven, and tangible. Instead of staring at a screen all day, these careers let people fix and build things they can be proud of.
For Gen Z, it’s about finding meaning in what they do. The trades offer exactly that — real skills, real impact, and a real sense of accomplishment. And as more young people head in this direction, they’re showing that success doesn’t have to come in the form of a cubicle.
Let’s face it — job stability has never felt more important. The pandemic was a wake-up call, showing how quickly some industries can crumble while others keep going strong, like essential jobs in construction, technology, and health care. They thrived. These careers stayed in demand because they’re the backbone of our economy.
However, there is a serious skills gap in these fields. As a result, companies are struggling to find enough qualified workers, which means they’re rolling out the red carpet for people with the right expertise. We’re talking about competitive pay, great benefits, and job security that’s hard to beat.
For a generation that’s seen layoffs and automation shake up the job market, that kind of security is huge. Unlike some office jobs, trade and technical roles require skills you can’t outsource or automate. They’re practical, hands-on, and essential — exactly what younger workers are looking for.
To put it bluntly, Gen Z wants a life. That’s why trade jobs are catching their attention. They often offer flexible schedules and a lot more variety than the typical 9-to-5 grind.
For example, some people are night owls and would thrive in overnight security guard positions, whereas others are early birds and prefer day work like carpenter or electrician positions. In many trades, workers can pick shifts that work for them — especially if they’re entrepreneurs managing their own trade business. This flexibility means they can make time for their hobbies or family.
And trade jobs are not all desk chairs and fluorescent lights. They take one to different places, whether that’s a construction site, a tech lab, or a health care facility. The hands-on nature of the work keeps things fresh and engaging, which is better than staring at a screen all day for some.
Gen Z is bringing a fresh perspective to the workforce, and their values are to thank for the rise of trade and technical careers. To summarize, here are a few Gen Z work values:
These young people prioritize meaningful work and clear results over traditional job security. It’s not that they don’t care about stability — it’s that they’re looking for careers that align with their desire for purpose, growth, and flexibility.
They value professional development and want workplaces that invest in their future. They’re also not afraid to roll up their sleeves. But hard work looks different for them — it’s about efficiency, results, and balancing their mental health, not just clocking long hours.
Flexibility is another big priority. Gen Z thrives in environments that offer diverse work formats and encourage collaboration. Interestingly, while they’re digital natives, many still prefer face-to-face communication for problem-solving and teamwork. This makes trade and technical careers, which often rely on hands-on learning and collaboration, particularly appealing.
They also want to see the immediate impact of their efforts. Whether it’s building something tangible or solving a real-world problem, trade careers deliver the kind of instant gratification that resonates with Gen Z’s mindset.
For institutional decision-makers, understanding these traits is invaluable. Gen Z is searching for purpose, diversity, and a clear path to grow. Trade and technical careers offer all of that — and it’s no surprise these roles are seeing a surge in interest.
For years, the blue-collar workforce has been aging — many skilled workers in industries like construction, welding, and plumbing are retiring. This leaves a growing gap. At the same time, past generations leaned heavily toward white-collar jobs, seeing them as the “path to success.” But Gen Z is flipping the script.
This generation is questioning the value of a four-year degree, especially when it often comes with massive debt. They’re looking at skilled trades and seeing something different — solid pay, job security, and a chance to work with cutting-edge technology. And for those with entrepreneurial dreams? Trades like carpentry or electrical work can be a great way to build a business.
Programs like apprenticeships make the skilled trades even more attractive. Imagine learning on the job, earning a paycheck, and walking into a full-time position debt-free — that’s a win for many young workers. It’s no wonder enrollment in vocational programs is climbing, even as college enrollment declines.
While Gen Z values practicality, they also value purpose and balance. They want careers that feel meaningful and fit their lifestyles. Skilled trades tick those boxes. Plus, these jobs aren’t what they used to be — they’re blending hands-on work with high-tech tools, which appeals to this tech-savvy generation.
For institutions, this shift opens up an exciting opportunity. Colleges and universities can help fill the gaps left by retiring workers by expanding programs in skilled trades. As such, they can attract more young people to these fields. The bottom line? Gen Z has what it takes to reinvigorate the blue-collar workforce — and institutions have a role to play in making it happen.
Trade jobs are in high demand, but which will pique Gen Z’s interest? For higher ed institutions, staying in tune with these trends helps design programs that align with future needs.
Here’s a list of top trade fields that could guide your institution’s next program development.
The rise of trade and technical careers is shaking up higher education. As more students gravitate toward trade schools for practical skills and job security, traditional institutions face a big question — how do we stay relevant? With trade school enrollment trends climbing and Gen Z favoring these hands-on careers, colleges and universities need to adapt to this shift — or risk losing future students.
Here’s how higher ed can take action to meet this moment.
Students today are looking for education that directly leads to jobs. Adding programs in high-demand fields like welding, HVAC, robotics, and health care can draw in students who might otherwise choose trade schools. The key is to build programs that emphasize real-world experience and immediate career opportunities. Think certifications, associate degrees, or pathways to advanced technical roles — things that show students they’ll graduate ready to work.
Partnering with employers to design curricula, offer internships, or even host apprenticeships can help students gain real experience before they graduate. For businesses, this means access to skilled workers. For colleges, it means standing out as the place to go for a career-focused education.
Cost is often a deciding factor for students. Scholarships or financial aid specifically for trade programs can make a big difference. Partnering with companies to offer tuition assistance or job placement guarantees after graduation can also ease the financial burden and make these programs more appealing.
To reach Gen Z, you have to speak their language. Show them how trade programs lead to rewarding, high-paying careers without mountains of debt. Share success stories from recent grads, highlight the cutting-edge tech in these fields, and use social media to spread the word.
The booming trade school growth is fueled by the younger generation and is changing the higher ed landscape. As a college or university administrator, you can also play a role. But with so many tasks on your plate, finding ways to streamline your processes and stay focused on what truly matters — student success — can feel overwhelming.
With Watermark Planning & Self-Study, you can integrate labor market data from Lightcast. This tool gives you easy access to real time insights, helping you align your programs with current job trends and ensure your curriculum is on point. No more sifting through endless data — just clear, actionable insights that save you time and keep you focused on your institution’s goals.
With our solution, you can streamline your program reviews, simplify curriculum mapping, drive better outcomes, and foster a more collaborative and data-driven culture across your campus. It’s a solution that helps you do more with less, so you can make smarter decisions and focus on the big picture.
Request a demo today and see how Watermark can help you take your planning and assessments to the next level!
