Gen Z Trade Job Shift Faces 7.2% Unemployment Risk

Gen Z is increasingly turning away from traditional college paths and white-collar ambitions, opting instead for trade jobs such as welding, plumbing, and carpentry. This shift is driven by the perception that these roles offer more stability and security, especially in the face of advancing AI technologies that threaten to automate many office jobs. However, recent research indicates that the reality of these trade jobs may not be as secure or fulfilling as initially thought.

Trade jobs have seen a surge in popularity, particularly among younger generations. This trend is supported by a significant increase in trade school enrollment, which has outpaced university enrollment in recent years. The appeal of these jobs lies in their potential for high salaries without the burden of student loans, the freedom to work independently, and the acquisition of practical, real-world skills that are less susceptible to outsourcing.

Despite these advantages, a new study ranking the best and worst entry-level jobs in 2025 reveals that many trade roles are among the least promising career starters. Jobs such as welders, automotive mechanics, boilermakers, and drafters are at the bottom of the list. Worse still, roles like building inspectors, electricians, and plumbers are tied to the highest unemployment rate in the study at 7.2%, more than three times that of entry-level office jobs like budget analysts or financial analysts, which have an unemployment rate closer to 2.0%.

The study highlights that these trade roles scored poorly due to limited job availability, weak growth potential, and their potentially hazardous nature. Additionally, the physical demands of these jobs do not make them immune to automation. New technologies like prefabrication and robotics are beginning to take over parts of the workload, which can reduce demand for these roles. Just like office workers, tradies are also sensitive to economic changes, recessions, and seasonal fluctuations, which can lead to job losses and project delays.

One trade job that stands out for its stability is that of geotechnical engineers, mine engineers, and drilling engineers. These roles have the longest median tenure with their employers, indicating a higher level of job security compared to other professions. However, this stability is not universal across all trade jobs, and many tradies face significant challenges in terms of job availability and economic sensitivity.

Beyond job security, the happiness and satisfaction of tradies are also a concern. While some Gen Zers are drawn to trade jobs for the freedom and independence they offer, the reality is that these roles often come with long hours, physically demanding work, and unpredictable schedules. A study ranking job satisfaction found that electricians, construction workers, and warehouse managers are among the unhappiest workers, citing the physically demanding nature of the job and stressful work environments. Alarmingly, not a single trade job made the list of happiest jobs, suggesting that the perceived benefits of these roles may not translate into actual job satisfaction.