Toronto, Ontario — Jobber’s Annual Blue-Collar Report indicates that while Gen Z has an interest in a career in the trades, stigma remains a barrier preventing them from fully committing to working in a trades role.
The report—which surveyed 1,000 United States-based high school and recent post-high school-aged individuals, ages 18 to 20—aimed at identifying what Gen Z wants in an ideal career, how members of the generation feel about their future and career prospects, and why there is a gap in their understanding of trades careers.
The report found that despite interest in the trades, 76 percent of respondents reported that there’s a stigma associated with going to a vocational school over a traditional four-year university program and this prevents easy commitment.
However, when asked what Gen Z is looking for in an ideal career, respondents highlighted many of the qualities found in working in a trades role.
Notably, 35.6 percent of respondents outlined the desire for less desk work and more hands-on activities; while 61.3 percent indicated a desire for greater job security.
A want for job security is further fueled by a fear of artificial intelligence replacing traditional desk work.
Specifically, 70 percent of respondents voiced concerns about the possibility of A.I. replacing traditional desk jobs.
As the Jobber’s study notes, “in the face of advancing A.I. technology, Gen Z no longer equates a white-collar profession with job security, so they’re primed to receive more information about the job security and financial opportunities the trades offer. A.I. won’t replace the need for human hands to build and maintain the built world around us anytime soon.”
For more information or to see the full report, click here.
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