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More than three-quarters of Gen Z students agree that there is a stigma associated with attending a trade school instead of a traditional four-year university, which could impact their educational and career choices, according to a July 29 report from home services software company Jobber.
When asked what makes a career in trade attractive, students cited flexible working hours (73%), job security (61%) and overtime pay (58%).
In a survey of 1,000 U.S. students ages 18-20 considering or currently attending college, the students cited their family as the biggest influence on their careers, with nearly half saying their family influenced their career choices. Additionally, 35% said television shows and movies that portrayed professionals in a negative light, such as being incompetent, unhealthy, or unhappy, influenced their careers.
Additionally, almost half of Gen Z respondents agree that women are generally not encouraged to enter trades jobs at a younger age, and about 58% say women face more discrimination in trades jobs, with women (68%) more likely to express this opinion than men (47%).
Additionally, 41% agreed that the potential for AI to replace jobs is making the “American Dream” more difficult to achieve, and as a result, almost half said they believe there will be fewer employment opportunities in the future.
According to a report from the UKG Workforce Institute, many manufacturing industries are still struggling to close critical labor shortages despite projected growth in 2023. In response, manufacturers are enhancing the employee experience for their frontline workers, training managers, and diversifying their hiring by actively reaching out to women and other non-traditional hires.
American manufacturing also partners with high schools, community colleges and economic development groups to raise awareness and interest among students. Companies offer facility tours, full-day workshops and courses in high-demand fields such as welding and machine technology.
In New York, nonprofits help hundreds of people get job training, employment, and development every year. Andromeda Community Initiative provides free professional development to underserved and underemployed groups, particularly communities of color, connecting them to construction careers.
