U.S. college enrollment is declining as more Gen Z students are choosing trade schools and blue-collar careers over traditional four-year universities. With college costs rising over 100% in the past 20 years and job security in degree-required fields becoming less reliable, many young people are turning to skilled trades like welding, construction, and landscaping, which offer quicker entry into the workforce and solid earning potential. Stories like Morgan Bradbury’s welding career and Chase Gallagher’s landscaping business show how hands-on careers can lead to financial success without a college degree. This shift reflects a changing view of success, as more young workers respond to market demands and rising costs with practical, skill-based career choices.
Watch the video to learn more about this shift and be able to answer the questions below.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “blue-collar career” mean? “Morgan isn’t alone among her peers in choosing a blue-collar career over college.” Give two (2) synonyms and use this idiom in a sentence.
- What does “tout” mean? “Since the last half of the 20th century, a college degree has been touted as a must-have for a stable and successful career.” Give two (2) synonyms and use this term in a sentence.
- What does “for the long haul” mean? “Morgan Bradbury says she plans to stick with welding for the long haul but also wants to pass along her skills to others.” Give two (2) synonyms and use this idiom in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What factors do you think have contributed most to Gen Z’s shift away from traditional four-year colleges, and do you think this trend will continue? Why or why not?
- How might the rise in skilled trade jobs impact the perception of success and social status in American society over the next decade?
- With the increasing cost of college and the availability of good-paying jobs without a degree, should high schools place less emphasis on college preparation and more on trade skills? What are the risks and benefits of doing so?
- Morgan and Chase both found success outside of the traditional college route. What qualities or mindsets do you think contributed to their achievements, and how can schools better support students with different career goals?
- How might current U.S. tariffs on imported goods (such as steel, aluminum, or foreign machinery) affect the demand for skilled trades like welding, manufacturing, and construction? Could tariffs help or hurt the blue-collar workforce?
- In what ways could trade policies and tariffs influence the future career decisions of Gen Z workers, especially those considering careers in industries affected by international supply chains?