Education Workforce News

"Rise of Gen Z: Embracing Trade Schools for Lucrative Careers"

Gen Z is increasingly opting for trade schools over college, with enrollment in vocational-focused community colleges rising and a surge in students studying construction trades, HVAC, and vehicle maintenance programs. This shift is driven by the high cost of college and the perception that trade school offers a clear path to well-paying jobs without the burden of debt. However, while trade jobs offer lucrative opportunities, research shows that advanced degrees are still necessary for many high-paying positions, with certain majors like computer engineering and medicine leading to top salaries.