#United States #Toronto #Jobber #Blue Collar Report #Gen Z Careers

The 2025 Blue Collar Report: A Shift in Perspective

In a world increasingly influenced by automation and economic instability, the 2025 Annual Blue Collar Report by Jobber sheds light on the evolving career aspirations of Generation Z. This report is not just numbers; it represents the voice of a new generation grappling with the outdated notion that a college degree is the only pathway to success.

The Changing Attitude Towards Education and Careers

On September 9, 2025, Jobber released its findings, grounded in surveys involving over 1,000 American students aged 18-20 and a similar number of their parents. A significant shift is evident as families recognize the grim stability of traditional white-collar professions compared to the promising opportunities in skilled trades. Despite the criticism of the college-first approach, the report reveals that many families are still influenced by traditional expectations—displaying a disconnect between knowledge and action.

Key Findings:

• - Stagnation of College Aspirations: Despite only 16% of parents believing in a college degree as a guarantee for job security, approximately 75% of young adults in this demographic still aim for higher education. The spiraling costs of a bachelor’s degree—which can surpass $500,000 when considering tuition, loans, and lost earnings—should caution prospective students.
• - Job Market Realities: As sectors such as technology and finance face accelerated layoffs, the demand for skilled tradespeople continues to rise, contradicting the beliefs held by many families. The Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights that jobs in construction and skilled trades are growing at a robust pace.

AI and Career Options: A New Paradigm

With increasing automation, Generation Z is at a pivotal moment. Awareness around career choices that are resilient to AI is stirring substantial discussions within households. According to the report, 72% of parents have spoken about the implications of automation on careers with their children, signaling a growing recognition of the need for job security in the current labor market.

Insights from Parents:

• - 77% of Gen Z prioritize pursuing careers that are resistant to automation.
• - Many parents regard skilled trades as more secure than digital roles—with significant numbers asserting that careers such as carpentry (56%), plumbing (54%), and electrical work (51%) offer more stability compared to software developers (18%) and accountants (11%).

This increasing awareness is crucial for young adults, potentially allowing them to make informed choices that could lead to sustainable careers rather than fleeting jobs.

The Barrier of Stigma

Despite the recognition of the benefits of trades, an obsolete stigma continues to influence perspectives. While 73% of parents agree that trade careers provide more long-term security than tech jobs, only 7% would prefer their children to pursue vocational paths.

Furthermore, the deeply rooted belief in college education remains strong, as evidenced by survey statistics: 76% of students noted that college was actively promoted by their schools, but only 31% felt encouraged towards trade schools.

This indicates a critical gap in guidance and support for young adults interested in pursuing careers in the trades—where numerous opportunities for thriving exist. Businesses in plumbing and HVAC, for instance, exhibit impressive median gross sales of $416,120 and $390,594 respectively.

The Role of Education Institutions

High schools often reinforce conventional beliefs by primarily promoting university pathways.

• - Limited Trade Awareness: A staggering 59% of students who did not apply for apprenticeship programs cite lack of information as a barrier. The true issue lies not in the interest in the trades, but rather in the lack of access and awareness about vocational opportunities.

The report also shares firsthand accounts from trade entrepreneurs across the U.S. who illustrate the sense of fulfillment and financial security afforded by careers in the skilled trades.

>“Owning a trades business has opened doors to a life I never thought possible,” remarked Hunter Patrick of Dumpire Junk Removal. His experience reflects the meaningful changes that pursuing a career in the trades can offer.

Conclusion

The 2025 Blue Collar Report by Jobber calls for a reevaluation of outdated educational hierarchies, advocating for the skilled trades to be celebrated as first-choice careers rather than fallback options. It’s time for society to break free from the shackles of stigma surrounding vocational paths and recognize that the trades can offer not just stability, but also opportunity and innovation in an evolving job market.

For more insights, the full report can be accessed through Jobber’s website at jobber.com/bluecollarreport.