SAN ANTONIO — More Gen Zers are turning to trade skill jobs as opposed to attending a higher university after high school.
Money is a big factor, but that's not all. The high cost of college and the looming threat of AI are two big reasons why more Gen Zers are turning to blue collar jobs right out of high school, instead of racking up tens of thousands of dollars in college loans that could take decades to pay off.
Christina Mank-Allen, the Career and Technical Education Director for the San Antonio ISD told us, "With trades like construction and even welding, they can go straight into the workforce and make a lot more than they would in even going to college and getting a four year degree in some situations."
At Sam Houston High School many students are participating in the construction apprenticeship program where they can go straight into the workforce after graduation.
Mank-Allen says the program makes sense with AI making big strides.
"AI is something that could take over or potentially take over so many jobs. Finding trade industries like hands on where it's construction and welding and agriculture. Those industries where AI may not be able to take over," she said.
Mike Thompson, the CEO of Learner Mobile told us, "When you graduate with that four year degree, that value proposition has become a little bit more diluted. There's not the types of jobs that we had come to expect. And so people are shifting more to the trades."
A January 2024 National Student Clearinghouse report says enrollment in vocational community colleges is up 16 percent since 2018.
When talking about all institutions of higher learning, since 2011 college enrollment has dropped 1.5 percent every year. Plus, 3 out of every 4 Gen Zers say they are interested in being an entrepreneur.
Thompson says AI isn't as much of a job-taking concern to him.
"I don't know that it's going to be taking away a ton of jobs, maybe a few, but I certainly think people that are comfortable with AI, skilled in AI, are going to be well positioned for a successful career," he added.
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