An encouraging report from Resume Builder as more baby boomers retire: 42% of Gen Zers are currently working in or pursuing a blue collar or skilled trade job, including 37% of those with a bachelor’s degree.

More than 1,400 adults aged 18–28 were surveyed by Pollfish on behalf of Resume Builder about their career paths, and the results reflect a shift from traditional college to trade jobs and apprenticeships.

Among Gen Zers who have earned a bachelor’s degree, 34% say they are currently working in a blue collar or skilled trade job, and another 3% plan to pursue one. For men who have recently graduated, 46% are working in or pursuing trades, compared to 27% of women with degrees.

“More Gen Z college graduates are turning to trade careers, and for good reason,” said Stacie Haller, Resume Builder’s chief career advisor. “Many are concerned about A.I. replacing traditional white collar roles, while trade jobs offer hands-on work that’s difficult to automate. Additionally, many grads find their degrees don’t lead to careers in their field, prompting them to explore more practical, in-demand alternatives.”

Other reasons include wanting more flexibility or independence (45%); preferring hands-on work to desk jobs (32%); believing trade careers are in high demand (29%); believing they can earn more in a trade (27%); and seeing others succeed in trades (20%).

For those who opted to enter a trade without pursuing a bachelor’s degree, 60% said they did so because they wanted to earn income sooner and 40% wanted to avoid student loan debt. More than a third (36%) believe trade jobs offer better long-term security, and the same percentage said they like hands-on work.

“Trade jobs offer a smart and rewarding path for many, especially those who prefer hands-on work and practical learning over traditional classroom settings,” Haller said. “They provide faster entry into the workforce, often without the burden of student debt, and also offer strong job security, with less risk of automation or outsourcing.”

“These jobs often begin with apprenticeships and can lead to career growth through specialization, supervisory roles or even business ownership, making trades a viable and stable long-term career option,” she said.