Why more young people are choosing skilled trades over four-year degrees
Friday, December 19, 2025 12:00 AM
Blog Highlights
- Rising costs and debt are driving Gen Z to seek alternatives
- Skilled trades offer faster, affordable paths to employment
Skilled trades on the rise as Gen Z rethinks college
Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, are rethinking college and careers. Many are questioning the cost of a four-year degree and looking for options that lead to employment without debt.
Skilled trades provide that path.
“Skilled trades aren’t just jobs; they are careers with dignity and respect,” said Mark Jewett, associate dean of Applied Technology at Macomb.
Why is Gen Z choosing the skilled trades?
Skilled trades offer high demand and opportunity
Jobs in the skilled trades are in high demand, and this isn’t a temporary spike. “Across Michigan and the country, employers are actively looking for people with hands-on technical skills,” Jewett said.
Careers in welding, HVAC, automotive technology, mechatronics, industrial maintenance, robotics and construction areas are seeing strong, sustained demand.
“What’s important for students to understand is that these careers are evolving,” Jewett said. “Today’s skilled trades blend mechanical skill with technology, diagnostics and problem-solving. These are stable careers with real upward mobility, not short-term jobs.”
Why choose Macomb for skilled trades?
Macomb designs programs around careers. Labs mirror workplaces and instructors bring industry experience to the classroom. Students can start with a certificate, continue to get an associate degree, or move directly into employment. Partnerships with employers help students connect to jobs before graduation.
“College doesn’t have to mean one narrow path. At Macomb, skilled trades education is college. It’s just college that’s more hands-on, strongly career-focused and always connected to the real world,” Jewett said.
Explore Macomb’s skilled trades program today by visiting our webpage.
Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, are rethinking college and careers. Many are questioning the cost of a four-year degree and looking for options that lead to employment without debt.
Skilled trades provide that path.
“Skilled trades aren’t just jobs; they are careers with dignity and respect,” said Mark Jewett, associate dean of Applied Technology at Macomb.
Why is Gen Z choosing the skilled trades?
Research from Deloitte’s Global 2024 Gen Z and Millennial survey shows that the cost of higher education is the top reason many in this generation skip traditional four-year college. In addition, Gen Z is questioning traditional degrees as student debt climbs and faster, less expensive paths gain traction.
These concerns explain why more young people are considering skilled trades, which offer clear pathways to employment, strong wages and the chance to work with technology.
“Gen Z is asking very smart questions,” Jewett said. “They’re looking at cost, time and return on investment (ROI). Many students want that clear path without the debt.”
Skilled trades offer that clarity:
These concerns explain why more young people are considering skilled trades, which offer clear pathways to employment, strong wages and the chance to work with technology.
“Gen Z is asking very smart questions,” Jewett said. “They’re looking at cost, time and return on investment (ROI). Many students want that clear path without the debt.”
Skilled trades offer that clarity:
- Faster entry into the workforce
- Earn while you learn through apprenticeships and on-the-job training
- Hands-on work that, for some, feels more engaging than traditional lecture-based learning
Skilled trades offer high demand and opportunity
Jobs in the skilled trades are in high demand, and this isn’t a temporary spike. “Across Michigan and the country, employers are actively looking for people with hands-on technical skills,” Jewett said.
Careers in welding, HVAC, automotive technology, mechatronics, industrial maintenance, robotics and construction areas are seeing strong, sustained demand.
“What’s important for students to understand is that these careers are evolving,” Jewett said. “Today’s skilled trades blend mechanical skill with technology, diagnostics and problem-solving. These are stable careers with real upward mobility, not short-term jobs.”
Why choose Macomb for skilled trades?
Macomb designs programs around careers. Labs mirror workplaces and instructors bring industry experience to the classroom. Students can start with a certificate, continue to get an associate degree, or move directly into employment. Partnerships with employers help students connect to jobs before graduation.
“College doesn’t have to mean one narrow path. At Macomb, skilled trades education is college. It’s just college that’s more hands-on, strongly career-focused and always connected to the real world,” Jewett said.
Explore Macomb’s skilled trades program today by visiting our webpage.