Gen Z Embracing Trade Schools as Path to Entrepreneurship
The entrepreneurial spirit of Gen Z is on full display as more young adults are opting for trade schools as a pathway to starting their own businesses. Research indicates that 75% of Gen Z individuals are interested in becoming entrepreneurs, with many seeing trade schools as a quicker and more affordable route to achieving their goals.
Recent data from the National Student Clearinghouse reveals a significant increase in vocational community college enrollment, with a 16% growth since 2018. This trend is particularly pronounced in urban and suburban areas, where trade program enrollment has seen a 3.5% and 3.7% respective uptick.
The surge in interest in trade programs is reflected in enrollment numbers across various industries. Construction, culinary, and mechanic trades have seen enrollment spikes of 19.3%, 12.7%, and 11.5% respectively from 2021 to 2022.
Career coach Ken Coleman notes that trades offer Gen Z individuals the opportunity to work for themselves, create jobs for others, and contribute to the economy through small businesses. This shift towards trade schools is also accompanied by a decline in students pursuing traditional four-year undergraduate degrees.
One success story is that of Sy Kirby, a 32-year-old construction company owner who chose a trade school over college at a young age. Kirby, who refers to Gen Z as the “toolbelt generation,” emphasizes the importance of following one’s passion and choosing a path that aligns with their goals.
As more young adults explore alternative education paths, trade schools are emerging as a viable option for those looking to carve out their own entrepreneurial journey.