While the common advice to young Americans used to be to attend a four-year university, Generation Z is taking a different approach. A SimplyWise survey of 1,240 Gen Z adults between the ages of 18 and 29 shows that the youngest working adults are taking a different approach to their careers. When asked which careers they think will be safest as AI takes off, many Gen Z survey respondents said they’re considering hands-on trades careers.

Four-year degrees are no longer the default career path

Gen Z isn’t turning away from college altogether, but getting a four-year degree no longer feels like the only way to move forward. Of those surveyed, 49% said they would pick trade school over college. Additionally, when asked which path is most likely to provide financial stability by age 30, 34% of survey respondents said the better path is a trade school or an apprenticeship compared with 23% who said it would be a four-year degree.

AI plays a part in this career shift

One reason Gen Z is switching gears is AI’s expected impact on the job market. Gen Z is trying to consider career fields that are more hands-on and less susceptible to being made obsolete.

According to the survey, Gen Z identified roles such as software developers, accountants, and graphic designers as the most at-risk because of AI. Meanwhile, 45% said HVAC technicians are the most protected from the AI boom. Another 42% identified plumbers as the safest role. In general, 46% said the trades feel safer than office jobs.

In general, Gen Z is changing its attitude toward the trades

Not only does Gen Z view trades careers as more financially secure, they are also more likely to enjoy the trades. Of the Gen Zers surveyed, 66% said they would encourage a friend to consider a skilled trades role, while only 10% said they would discourage it. Additionally, 70% said their generation holds the trades in higher regard than it did a few years ago.

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