Gen Z Trades College for Blue-Collar Careers: A Historic Shift in U.S. Education and Work

For decades, a four-year college degree was considered the ticket to a stable and successful career in America. Parents, teachers, and guidance counselors reminded young people that higher education was the path to good jobs, financial security, and upward mobility. But in 2025, that long-standing narrative is breaking down.

Freshman enrollment at U.S. colleges has seen a historic decline. Since 2011, the number of students enrolled in four-year universities has dropped by more than 2 million. Rising tuition costs, student debt, and a shaky job market for white-collar graduates are reshaping the choices of young Americans—especially Gen Z.

Instead of spending four years (and sometimes over $200,000) on a degree, many Gen Zers are heading straight into blue-collar industries and skilled trades. These jobs—once viewed as “second-class careers”—are now paying higher wages, offering better security, and providing opportunities for entrepreneurship.

Why College Enrollment is Falling

The economics of higher education have shifted dramatically over the past 20 years.

• Soaring tuition costs: The average cost of attending a four-year public college has risen by 140%. For private universities, it’s up 110%. That means a public degree now costs about $110,000, while a private one can top $225,000.
• Uncertain job market: Even for graduates of elite schools, jobs are no longer guaranteed. Tech companies like Google, Amazon, and PayPal have cut tens of thousands of jobs in the past two years, signaling instability in industries that once promised security.
• Generational skepticism: Gen Z, shaped by the Great Recession and pandemic-era uncertainty, is questioning whether traditional education is worth the investment.

Instead, many are choosing faster, cheaper training routes such as trade schools, certification programs, or direct entry into the workforce.

The Skilled Trades Comeback

For years, trades like welding, plumbing, construction, and electrical work struggled to attract young workers. Millennials, in particular, were steered away from “blue-collar” jobs. But now, Gen Z is bringing new life into these industries.

Case Study: Morgan Bradbury, Welder

At 19, Morgan chose a welding certification over college. A nine-month program at Universal Technical Institute cost her $22,000—a fraction of a four-year degree. Before she even finished, she landed a job with BAE Systems earning $57,000 a year.

Now 21, she works on U.S. Navy ships in Norfolk, Virginia, as a second-class welder. She’s certified across multiple processes, giving her flexibility and constant variety in her workday.

“I was mesmerized by the fact that I could build things with my own hands,” she explained. “There’s a lot more science behind welding than people realize. It’s not just sparks—it’s engineering and physics too.”

Case Study: Chase Gallagher, Entrepreneur

At just 24, Chase owns CMG Landscaping in Pennsylvania—a company he started as a teenager. By 18, he had saved $120,000 from mowing lawns and small landscaping jobs. Instead of spending that money on tuition, he invested it in his business.

In 2024, CMG Landscaping brought in more than $1 million in sales. Chase personally earned nearly $500,000 through his salary and owner’s share. His next goal? Expanding into private equity by acquiring and scaling other home service businesses.

His parents initially wanted him to pursue a degree, but Chase refused:
“Why would I stop my business and pay for college when the numbers already made sense?”

By the Numbers: The Rise of Blue-Collar Gen Z

• 2 million fewer college students in 2025 compared to 2011.
• 18% growth in vocational school enrollment since 2019.
• 25% increase in starting wages for skilled trades, now averaging $23.43/hour.
• Higher hiring demand: Skilled workers consistently see stronger job placement than young white-collar graduates.
• Retirement wave: Baby Boomers and older Gen X workers leaving the workforce are creating a massive labor gap for Gen Z to fill.

This isn’t just about jobs—it’s about national priorities. Federal programs like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act and the CHIPS Act are pouring billions into construction, energy, and manufacturing, sectors that rely heavily on trades.

Challenges Ahead

While Gen Z’s move into trades looks promising, it’s not without obstacles:

• Tariff risks: New Trump administration tariffs on materials like soft lumber could raise costs for construction and impact hiring.
• Physical demands: Blue-collar jobs often involve long hours, heavy lifting, and safety risks. Not everyone is cut out for it.
• Perception gap: Despite rising wages, some parents and educators still view trades as “lesser” careers compared to white-collar work.

But Gen Z workers like Morgan and Chase believe the stigma is fading. Skilled labor no longer means settling—it can mean thriving.

The Bigger Picture

Gen Z is redefining what success looks like. Instead of chasing degrees and debt, they are pursuing practical skills, entrepreneurial ventures, and financial independence at a younger age.

For the U.S. economy, this shift could help close the skilled labor shortage, keep infrastructure projects on track, and strengthen industries like manufacturing and construction. For individuals, it offers a chance at stability without six-figure student loans.

As Morgan put it:
“There needs to be more outreach about getting people into trades. It’s important—not everyone has to go to college to build a successful life.”

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