Gen Z has been slapped with many labels as they begin to enter the workforce. However, The Wall Street Journal has officially dubbed the youngest groups of workers the “Toolbelt Generation” as more Gen Zers apply for skilled trade jobs.
A study by Dewalt found that more Gen Zers are committed to enhancing their careers compared to other generations. However, they face several obstacles that prevent them from furthering their professional development. Limited access to critical training is among the highest deterrents for young employees. According to the study, 52 percent of students were placed on a waitlist for technical or vocational program enrollment.
As previously reported by FacilitiesNet, enrollment in trade school has increased 4.9 percent since the COVID-19 pandemic. Pre-COVID, trade schools were experiencing a 2.3 percent decline as more students were pushed toward traditional four-year universities. There isn’t an exact reason for the uptick, though, but it’s easy to make guesses. Gen Z was at a vulnerable age when the pandemic first started, with the oldest of the generation first entering the workforce. Many had to witness loved ones lose their jobs because of the pandemic, with some even losing their own before they even had a chance to get their foot in the door of their industry. To them, a job in trades symbolizes job security as they aren’t easily replaced.
Meanwhile, skilled-trade positions are being fed into social media algorithms, prompting more interest from the younger generation. As FacilitiesNet previously reported, 60 percent of skilled trade professionals have said that their jobs have become more “instagrammable” as posts have increased 52 percent year-over-year on popular social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Influencers have taken to recording themselves while on the job, giving people a behind-the-scenes look into the position, making it more appealing for perspective employees.
Despite a looming social media presence, nearly 80 percent of students are first exposed to trade work by the time they are 15 years old, the study found. Meanwhile, 27 percent of students aged 13 years or younger have already been exposed. Schools are critical in this exposure, with 31 percent of respondents saying they first heard about skilled-trade careers during the school day, whether it be by a teacher, guidance counselor, career day or available classes. However, skilled-trade classes are limited, with 41 percent saying that they have access to their programs within their school. However, when classes are provided, it is commonly cited to be their favorite subject.
Gen Z is also finding out about a career in skilled trades through word-of-mouth. Thirty-one percent of students reported hearing about trade jobs through someone they know, while 78 percent reported having a one-on-one conversation with someone in trades about their experience working in the field.
According to the study, 68 percent of students enrolled in skilled trades are fully committed to their career choice, while 77 percent are somewhat or extremely optimistic. Over 80 percent of respondents believe they will be hired immediately after graduation, while 67 percent have already had conversations with potential employees.
Despite the overall excitement, many Gen Z students are still have some trepidation about a career in skill-trades. While limited training and waitlists are high on their lists of concerns, respondents have cited the following of reasons to be worried:
Gen Z has made it clear that they will be different employees than previous generations. As FacilitiesNet previously reported, three in four Gen Z workers actively seek jobs that prioritize a positive company culture and access to mental health. The Dewalt study found that 85 percent of respondents want a positive work-life balance, while 79 percent said that having a caring boss would be important to them. In addition, one of every three survey respondents said that they won’t stay in a job and leave the industry permanently if they can’t achieve a health work-life balance or do not have a clear advancement path.
Baby boomers are retiring rapidly, and now is not the time to deter the younger generation from joining trades. The dream candidate does not exist. Managers need to give Gen Z a fair chance to build their skills and prove themselves to be viable employees. They are eager and willing to learn, managers just need to be able to give them to tools and time to learn.
Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor of the facilities market.
