AI Spurs Gen Z Interest in Skilled Trades
A recent CBS News piece reports that artificial intelligence and tougher entry-level labor markets for college graduates are driving more U.S. Gen Z workers into blue-collar skilled trades. The report combines a ResumeBuilder survey (42% of Gen Z respondents working in or pursuing trades), Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis unemployment analysis for recent college grads, and on-the-ground interviews with young tradespeople and small-business owners (including 23-year-old electrician Jacob Palmer). Industry leaders and contractors say AI automates some white-collar entry jobs but cannot replace fieldwork, making trades more attractive to cost-conscious and risk-averse young workers.
🔍 Key Facts
- ResumeBuilder.com survey of 1,434 people: 42% of Gen Z are working in or pursuing blue-collar/skilled-trade jobs
- Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis analysis: unemployment for 23–27-year-old college grads ~4.6% (recent) vs. 3.2% in 2019; non-college peers saw a smaller unemployment uptick (~0.5%)
- Anecdote/data point: Jacob Palmer, 23, launched Palmer Electrical in 2024 and expects >$150,000 in revenue this year
📊 Analysis & Commentary (1)
"A Persuasion commentary arguing that the media/industry narrative that Gen Z is infatuated with AI is exaggerated — many young people are pragmatic or wary, with rising interest in skilled trades and a focus on practical training and protections rather than techno‑optimistic hype."