Is the perception of skilled trades on an upswing? In this episode of The Skillwork Forum, the conversation revisits a key question explored in 2022: Is hard work, particularly in the trades, gaining the respect it deserves in American culture? The discussion takes a fresh look at how attitudes toward vocational careers are evolving, especially among younger generations like Gen Z, who are increasingly viewing trades as a path to financial independence and entrepreneurship rather than a fallback option.
The rise of social media influencers in blue-collar professions, the growing number of industry-school partnerships, and the spike in trade school enrollment are just a few of the signs pointing toward change. But is the stigma around choosing the trades over a four-year degree truly fading — or does it still linger in the cultural mindset?
The episode also explores how technology, including AI, is shaping the future of skilled labor, offering tools that enhance efficiency without replacing the need for human critical thinking.
Tune in for an honest look at where things stand today, how far the industry has come in just a few years, and why the opportunity landscape for skilled trades may very well signal the start of a golden era.