Trending NewsHigher Ratio of Gen Z Opting for Trade Schools Over Traditional College, Survey Shows
June 10, 2025
An increasing number of young adults are opting for trade schools over four-year colleges, citing job security and financial stability as their primary motivations, according to a recent survey by ResumeBuilder.com.
The online resume platform found that 42% of Generation Z adults are opting for trade school programs, many of whom want to avoid the heavy burden of student loan debt. Notably, 37% of those surveyed already hold a college degree but are pursuing vocational training to secure more stable employment.
At Erwin Technical College in Florida, this shift is evident. Paulethia Bryant, a student training to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN), is one of many adults embracing career changes through trade education. Formerly working in the tech and cryptocurrency sector, Bryant was drawn to the practical impact of healthcare work.
“The skills we learn here translate directly to the real world. It allows us to be more impactful in our communities,” Bryant told Bay News 9. “This program has been incredibly rewarding — not just in terms of knowledge, but also the camaraderie among classmates.”
