Many employees are worried about their jobs. The Generation Z is also affected by layoffs. However, young people have found an alternative to studying and office work: a job in the trades, which is considered crisis-proof.
Artificial intelligence is causing chaos and especially concerns in the job market. In some areas, companies have already replaced their employees with AI and many others fear for their jobs. The layoffs also affect Generation Z (born 1997 to 2012).
However, young people have found an alternative to combat AI. They are trading their university places for jobs in the trades. The main reasons are financial considerations, better job market opportunities in the trades, the influence of technology and social media, as well as a shift in values regarding work and quality of life. This is reported by the magazine Businessinsider.com.
The trades are suddenly becoming attractive to young people again
This is what Generation Z is doing: More and more young people are deciding against a traditional university education and opting instead for a career in the trades or in other “blue-collar” jobs. “Blue Collar” refers to jobs in the trades. In contrast, jobs in offices or administration are referred to as “white collar.”
What are the reasons for the decision? According to surveys, fewer and fewer Americans believe that a college education is worth it, especially if loans need to be taken out for it. Confidence in the “return on investment” (ROI) of a college degree has significantly declined: many no longer believe that they will ever recoup the money they invest in their education.
On the other hand, jobs in the trades not only promise a stable income, but also offer a direct entry into the profession or the option for self-employment. Professions in renewable energies, construction, electrical engineering, plumbing, and transport are particularly in demand.
High demand for skilled workers in the trades because the Boomers are about to retire
The demand for jobs in these areas is very high, as many individuals from the Boomer generation are nearing retirement or have already stopped working.
However, the transition is not always easy: young people report that trades still carry a worse reputation than a university education. Many parents still prefer a traditional university path for their children and reject vocational training or a trades job.
In a 2023 survey by Jobber, a software for home workers, among American high school students, many stated that the trades are burdened with prejudices (via Jobber.com, PDF file):
- 74% stated that they believe choosing a trade school instead of a four-year college carries a stigma.
- 79% said that their parents want them to go to college, while only 5% said that their parents support trade school.
AI tools like ChatGPT have revolutionized many people’s professional lives. It’s no wonder that many people fear that developments will lead to some soon losing their jobs to artificial intelligence.
Now, Sam Altman, founder of OpenAI and lead developer of ChatGPT, has spoken out. He explains that there are 34 professions that could never be replaced by AI: The inventor of AI ChatGPT reveals which 34 professions AI can never replace
