In recent years, a quiet revolution has been brewing. Gen Z, a generation known for challenging the status quo, is increasingly turning away from traditional four-year degrees. Instead, they’re picking up tool belts and certifications in trades—electricians, welders, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and more. The allure? Stability, practical skills, and an escape from the crushing burden of student debt. But is this career switch as “secure” as it seems? The Appeal: Skills Over Semesters College has become synonymous with debt. According to the U.S. Federal Reserve, the average student loan borrower carries about $37,000 in debt. With uncertain job prospects and rising tuition costs, many Gen Zers are opting for trade schools and apprenticeships, which typically cost a fraction of a degree and lead to quicker employment. Trade jobs offer practical experience, certification in a year or less, and immediate earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median wage for electricians is $60,240, and plumbers earn about $59,880—not far behind the national average salary of college grads. This shift has even caught the attention of policy makers and economists who believe America is facing a severe shortage of skilled labor. In fact, the Associated General Contractors of America reports that 88% of construction firms are struggling to fill hourly craft positions. So, the question is: If demand is high and wages are decent, why are some skilled trades seeing higher unemployment? The Reality Check: Not All Trades Are Created Equal Despite their growing popularity, some trades are experiencing surprisingly high unemployment rates. For example, the BLS reports show that building inspectors, electricians, and plumbers have unemployment rates ranging from 6.2% to 8.1%—significantly higher than the national average of around 4%. Why? One key reason is market saturation in urban areas. As more young people crowd into these fields in popular cities, competition grows, and jobs become harder to secure. Add to that economic cycles—trades often depend on real estate and construction, which rise and fall with interest rates and housing markets. Additionally, automation and new technologies are slowly changing the skill sets needed. Smart home systems, green building codes, and AI-driven inspections require upskilling that not all tradespeople are prepared for. The Balanced Path Forward For Gen Z, the shift toward skilled trades isn’t misguided—but it needs to be better informed. Choosing a trade can be a great move, especially for those who are hands-on learners or want a quicker route to financial independence. But success still requires strategic planning, continuous skill development, and an awareness of regional job trends. Experts suggest that Gen Z should: Research local demand before choosing a trade. Invest in certifications that include tech-integrated training. Consider underserved trades like wind turbine techs or elevator installers, which have higher growth rates and better job security. Final Thoughts The narrative that college is the only path to success is fading fast—and rightly so. But replacing that with a blanket belief that all trade jobs are automatically secure is equally risky. For Gen Z, the smartest approach lies in blending practicality with adaptability. Whether it’s through the trades or degrees, the real “secure job” is the one that evolves with time, technology, and the needs of tomorrow.