Skilled Labor: Gen Z To The Rescue?
Surveys in recent years have yielded mixed conclusions about the interest of Gen Z in skilled trades. Still, data suggests that many members of Gen Z have a zest for avoiding the expense of college, and the risks AI poses for corporate career paths, by reaching for a toolbelt and learning a skilled trade. It’s certainly wise for construction companies to lean in around Gen Z: after all, next gen workers are needed–and they can’t possibly get interested in a career path they know nothing about, right?
Promising Prospects…
According to a survey of 1,250 adults in the Gen Z range Resume Templates sees reason for the construction industry to be hopeful about attracting the next wave of skilled labor:
- Driven by concerns about AI and job security, in 2026, Gen Z is looking toward blue-collar work….
- 6 in 10 Gen Zers plan to pursue blue-collar work in 2026, including half of those with higher education.
- Gen Zers believe blue-collar jobs offer better long-term security, largely due to potential AI-driven job loss.
- Top trades Gen Zers will pursue include construction, electrical work, and plumbing.
As Julia Toothacre, ResumeTemplates.com’s Chief Career Strategist, observes, increased interest in skilled labor likely is a reaction to several current trends: “Many young adults are questioning whether college debt is worth it and are instead exploring blue-collar careers that offer solid income, skill development, and long-term security….As older generations retire, these roles will open up, and unlike many corporate jobs, they’re not likely to be replaced by AI.”
Although indicators of rising interest in the construction field induce optimism, they are not of course a magic wand for the labor shortage that has plagued the industry. Construction Dive points out for example, that increased awareness about career paths in the skilled trades is essential for Gen Z:
- A Harris poll conducted last year found fewer than 40% of Gen Zers interested in skilled trades as a career option, in part because they knew little about the opportunities.
- “Only 38% of Gen Z says skilled trades offer the best job opportunities today” and “only 36% strongly agree skilled trades offer a faster and more affordable path to a good career,” that Harris Poll report said when it was released last summer. That poll was based on 2,200 respondents.
Taking Action: Trade-Based Education
Above and beyond the nuances of survey data, one thing is clear in construction: new workers are needed and attracting them starts with arming Gen Z with more information about their career prospects. As the old saying goes, “you can’t be it if you don’t see it.” That’s why Boyd Beadles of Calvary Construction, encourages construction professionals to introduce young people to the field, and points out: “Practical skills and the ability to perform skilled trades are now gaining more appreciation and respect….Companies can benefit greatly by partnering with trade schools and establishing apprenticeship programs to cultivate a skilled workforce. As we embrace these changes, it’s crucial to continue supporting and promoting the value of trade-based education, ensuring that it remains a respected, attractive, and feasible option for future generations.”
Pragmatic action steps for construction business owners eager to welcome in the next generation include checking out vocational training, as well as intern and apprentice programs at community colleges and high schools. Though progress has not been swift, inroads are being made. The Hechinger Report shares for example that more high schools are stepping up vocational and apprenticeship programs. Employers are playing a role too. At Construction Dive, Robert Freedman notes that “Employers — helped by state and federal resources as well as private-industry money — are stepping up with apprenticeship and other types of programs,” and shares this round up of initiatives underway to attract more young people into construction jobs:
- Schneider Electric invested $100,000 in The SkillPointe Foundation to help it make sizable grants available to people seeking training in building energy management and other high-demand building-related fields.
- The Home Depot Foundation set aside $10 million to broaden access to skilled trades training, including through a $1 million partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
- HVAC manufacturer Carrier Global Corp. announced a program to hire 1,000 U.S. service technicians and train more than 100,000 climate solutions technicians.
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