Survey Reveals Younger Generation Eager to Join Skilled Trades Despite Training Barriers

With the construction industry continuing to face a skilled labor shortage, Gen Z—which has been dubbed the “toolbelt generation”—is increasingly interested in pursuing careers in the trades. The trades are appealing for a variety of reasons for Gen Z, including an avenue to avoid college debt, the allure of competitive salaries out of high school, or the possibility of future business ownership. However, a survey commissioned by DEWALT indicates that many Gen Z individuals are having difficulty accessing training despite interest in the trades.

The Gen Z in the Skilled Trades survey indicates that high schoolers enrolled in skilled trades programs are fully committed to their future, but 52% of students have been placed on waitlists for critical training programs. Once enrolled, though, 55% participated in internships, 47% in mentorship opportunities, and 46% have had real work experience highlighting the value of technical training programs in fostering skilled career development, according to the survey.

“Annual hiring in the U.S. for critical skilled trades roles could be more than 20 times the projected annual increase in net new jobs from 2022 to 2032, as Gen Z enters the workforce,” Maria Ford, president of commercial and industrial of DEWALT, said. “Skilled trades jobs play an essential role in our country’s infrastructure and economy, and through our Grow the Trades initiative, DEWALT is committed to meeting the demand Gen Z is driving for training and educational funding. This is a call to the industry to embrace this generation’s passion and their needs to remain lifelong tradespeople.”

The survey found 80% of students were first introduced to a career in the trades by the time they were 15 years old, with more than a quarter of students exposed at age 13 or younger.

The majority of surveyed students—between the ages of 14 to 18—who took the next step and enrolled in skilled trades education feel optimistic about their career choice. Parents and friends of such students were also positive about careers in the trades; 80% of respondents say their parents view careers in the trades somewhat to extremely positively. Additionally, students are confident about future job opportunities, with 84% of respondents believing they will be hired immediately following graduation and more than two-thirds have already had conversations with potential employers.

Beyond barriers related to access to training, 43% of surveyed students are concerned about the cost of trade school with 39% also concerned about networking opportunities. One-third of respondents also reported concerns about access to equipment and tools for successful training.

Additionally, the survey results indicate Gen Z’s value system differs from that of baby boomers and Gen X individuals. The majority of respondents to the DEWALT survey rated work-life balance and a caring boss as somewhat or extremely important expectations of a future job, a likely departure from previous generations’ expectations. The generation’s expectations also will impact their longevity in skilled trades: One in three students say they will leave the skilled trades if the industry does not meet their expectations. In addition to a positive work-life balance, a clear path to advancement was rated as critically important by more than one-third of respondents.

The Gen Z in the Skilled Trades survey includes responses from 225 individuals, representing students aged 14 to 18 enrolled in vocational schools or in skilled trades training programs in high schools. Respondents were enrolled in training programs across a variety of skilled trades, including building maintenance, carpentry, concrete, drywall, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, roofing, and welding.