Why Gen Zs are taking up trades instead of going to university

Business & FinanceLifestyle
1 Apr 2026 • 3:40 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • BlackRock CEO Larry Fink suggests young people should consider vocational trades over university degrees, arguing that decades of idolising office jobs have undervalued skilled professions.
  • The rapid advancement of AI is projected to put many entry-level office jobs at risk, with some employers planning to hire fewer graduates.
  • Mr Fink says that the AI explosion will simultaneously create a high demand for skilled tradespeople, such as electricians and plumbers, to build and maintain necessary infrastructure.
  • Attitudes among younger generations are already changing, with studies showing many teenagers view skilled trades as more aspirational and 'cool' than traditional office-based management roles.
  • While offering future-proof skills and flexibility, individuals pursuing trades note the significant time investment, physical demands, and challenges, particularly for women entering male-dominated fields.

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