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Why many in Gen Z are ditching college for training in skilled trades (www.pbs.org)

submitted 4 months ago by MicroWave@lemmy.world to c/economics@lemmy.world

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As the average cost of college in the United States soars, more young people are being drawn to skilled trades. It’s part of a career rethink among members of Gen Z, who have been called the “toolbelt generation.”

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[–] BakerBagel@midwest.social 4 points 4 months ago (2 children)

The other issue is that skilled trade firms don't want to hire new graduates because they don't want to train anyone. Plumbing school is one thing, but getting out there and trying to shutoff a toilet that's spewing shit can't be taught. The only people making miney in the trades are those who opened their own shop 30 years ago. We need electricians and plumbers and pipe fitters, but no one wants to hire or pay new ones.

[–] Fredselfish@lemmy.world 3 points 4 months ago

Same with welders they don't want to hire them straight from school either.

[–] Humana@lemmy.world 3 points 4 months ago

I think there are still opportunities for people just finishing, but that's in areas with strong unions which isn't much of America unfortunately.