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.”
Bryant, the oldest student in her 15-month LPN cohort, studies alongside many fresh high school graduates. “We have students who are just 18 or 19. It’s a great mix,” she added.
For 19-year-old Paula Perez, also an Erwin student, the decision to pursue nursing was influenced by her older sister, a former Erwin student. “Seeing how hands-on the program is made me realize it was a good fit,” Perez told Bay News 9.
ResumeBuilder’s data indicates that Gen Z’s preference for trade schools is based on more than just cost avoidance. Many young people view trades such as healthcare, electrical work, and cosmetology as entrepreneurial opportunities in fields that offer long-term stability, regardless of shifts in technology or economic conditions.
Bryant echoed that sentiment, noting the longevity of Erwin’s programs. “The fact that my teachers have been here since the ’80s and ’90s — and we’re still in the same program in 2025 — shows you the sustainability of this path,” she remarked.
As the demand for skilled labor continues to grow nationwide, the rise in trade school enrollment suggests a broader shift in how younger generations define career success.
