Like every generation before them, Gen Z has made headlines being called anything and everything but hardworking. As the youngest members begin to enter the workforce, they are steadily proving employers wrong by adapting quickly and being eager to climb the ranks.
However, one thing that sets Gen Z apart from its older counterparts is that they’re taking the “traditional” path when it comes to their career. According to a report by Resume Templates, 6 in 10 Gen Zers plan to pursue blue collar work in 2026. The top trades the youngest group of employees plan to pursue include construction, electrical work and plumbing.
This number should not come as a surprise. The oldest members of Gen Z first entered the workforce right when the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, leaving many without or struggling to find work. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), Gen Z believes that trade work offers more job security with better pay. With a majority of the country preparing for a potential recession, many Gen Z believe that a career in the trades is recession-proof and that it is a “stable” career option. In addition, nearly half of Gen Zers with bachelor’s degrees say that they are likely to pursue a trade in the coming year, according to the report.
Meanwhile, 14 percent of respondents said that passion for the skills is what is largely driving them to enter the trades, with 7 percent saying that they’re most motivated by finding the best qualification match.
As FacilitiesNet previously reported, 68 percent of students enrolled in skilled trades are fully committed to their career choice, while 77 percent are somewhat or extremely optimistic. Over 80 percent of respondents believe they will be hired immediately after graduation, while 67 percent have already had conversations with potential employers.
Mackenna Moralez is the managing editor of the facilities market and the host of the Facilities in Focus podcast.
