Trade jobs suggested as better options than college degrees for Gen Z students

Rethinking Education for Gen Z

Terry Schilling, president of the American Principles Project, is urging Generation Z to reconsider the traditional path of attending university. He feels that, especially in today’s tough job market, many recent graduates are exploring alternative options like skilled trades and entrepreneurship.

Schilling believes it’s essential to reevaluate educational investments. “If this entire generation can steer clear of accumulating hefty student loans—ranging from $80,000 to $150,000—they can still land decent jobs,” he says. He posits that this shift may provide better outcomes.

In fact, students are expected to display their trade skills at upcoming competitive events, which could play a role in addressing the ongoing skilled labor shortage.

Data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York indicates that the job market worsened significantly in early 2025, particularly affecting those entering the workforce.

While the unemployment rate among university graduates sat at a low 2.7% in June, those aged 22 to 27 faced a higher rate of 4.8%. Furthermore, only 33.7% of all university graduates and 41.3% of recent alumni are securing jobs that typically don’t require a degree.

Schilling warns of a concerning shortage of trade workers, dubbing it a “crisis in the ability to produce.” He notes that while certain professions like medicine and law indeed require a degree, for many others, a university education may equate to costly yet ineffective vocational training.

“Tuition is climbing, often hitting around $50,000 or $60,000 per year, which feels overwhelming—especially if you end up in a low-paying job or facing unemployment like those who didn’t attend college,” he comments.

Recent graduates are confronting a labor market that seems more challenging than ever, as unemployment rates reach high levels not seen in years. Schilling underscores that the costs associated with obtaining a degree often outweigh its potential benefits. “Even employers are now looking at candidates without university degrees for certain jobs,” he adds.

Alternative paths, such as skilled trades and entrepreneurship, are gaining traction. Schilling points out that over one million trade jobs remain unfilled in the U.S., driven by biases towards traditional educational pathways and an aging workforce.

“Every trade sector is experiencing a shortage of talent, whether it’s in electrical work, plumbing, or carpentry,” he explains. “Plus, there’s a lack of creativity and entrepreneurial initiatives due to the overwhelming focus on higher education.”