There is a recent uptick in enrolment for vocational training programs|@UTITweet|X
America is witnessing a remarkable shift in its workforce. Instead of heading straight to college, Gen Z is increasingly choosing skilled trades like plumbing and welding.
What’s causing the shift?
Expensive four-year degrees that lead to student debt accumulation by the end of it have young people opt out of college. They prefer to take up vocational training that pays better.
According to National Student Clearinghouse data
- Between 2022 and 2023, enrollment in vocational-focused community colleges rose by 16%.
- Fields such as construction trades experienced a 23% surge in student enrollment.
- Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and vehicle maintenance and repair programs saw a 7% increase.
Interestingly, the shortage of skilled tradespeople, compounded by retirements, has driven up wages in the construction sector surpassing those in white-collar professions—making such jobs a lucrative option for youngsters.
Data from payroll services provider ADP reveals that median pay for new construction workers rose by 5.1% to $48,089 last year, surpassing earnings of new hires in blue-collar jobs like accountants and IT professionals.
The high wages explain the recent uptick in enrollment into vocational training programs, contrasting with the decline seen in traditional community colleges and four-year institutions.