Roundup: Gauging Gen Z’s Interest in the Trades
Over the last few years, members of the Generation Z cohort have started to turn their attention to trades careers. To get a better idea about where the youngest group of working adults is at in their career journey—and more importantly, what residential construction firms can do to retain them—we’re taking a look at what the latest research shows.
From greater job security to compensation, these are the benefits drawing young people to trades careers:
AI is changing Gen Z’s attitude toward the trades
Recent research from SimplyWise shows that many members of Gen Z are taking an interest in the trades as they believe these types of careers will offer greater security against artificial intelligence when compared with office jobs. 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, 46% say the trades feel safer than office jobs. [Read more]
Interest in the trades from young adults has doubled over the last decade
The share of adults between the ages of 18 and 25 interested in working in the trades has doubled over the last decade, according to survey data from the National Association of Home Builders. The share remains low at just 6% of young adults. However, of those who are interested in the trades, 73% say they would choose this career path for the high compensation, and 65% say they would choose a trades career for the skillset they provide. [Read more]
Gen Z believes the trades have better long-term career prospects
A report from Resume Builder shows that 37% of Gen Z adults are pursuing trades careers despite having already earned a bachelor’s degree. Of those with degrees, 30% say they feel trades jobs have better long-term prospects, while a respective 19% and 16% say they were unable to find a job that suits their degree or they weren’t making enough money with their degree. [Read more]
Social media has influenced more young people to join the trades
When it comes to choosing careers, social media has made an impact on the youngest generation of workers. One survey found that 44% of young trade professionals were influenced by social media to choose their careers, and another 75% say they would like to use their social media platforms to raise awareness of the benefits of pursuing a career in the trades. [Read more]
Construction companies will have no problem recruiting Gen Z, but retaining them is another challenge
With plenty of reasons to join the trades, one thing is clear: recruitment will be no challenge for construction firms. Instead, construction firms should look to better their retention strategies. Companies that are slow to adopt technology and that take on traditional workplace hierarchies will likely fall behind, while those that integrate digital tools and focus on education will have an easier time retaining Gen Z employees. [Read more]