Blue Is an Attractive Color

Two out of five US Generation Z adults—people between 18 and 28 years old—are either currently in or pursuing blue-collar or skilled-trade roles such as electricians and truck drivers, found a Resume Builder survey of more than 1,430 people. One-third of those respondents have already earned a bachelor's degree.

Among individuals who have a bachelor's degree, 34 percent already work in a blue-collar or skilled-trade job, while another 3 percent plan to pursue that path. Resume Builder respondents
who chose a blue-collar position over work aligning with their degree have done so for practical reasons. For example, 30 percent believe trade roles deliver better long-term prospects, and 19 percent couldn't find work to match their degrees. Additionally, nearly half said blue-collar jobs offer more flexibility and independence.

According to Business Insider data, Gen Z graduates are facing a tough job market in 2025. In July, the US Census Bureau reported an unemployment rate of 4.2 percent; however, the rate for recent graduates between 22 and 27 years old was 4.8 percent in June, according to the New York Federal Reserve.

Simultaneously, the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 predicts that one-third of key skills in the job market will change by 2030. That will disproportionately affect blue-collar workers, according to a 2024 McKinsey & Company research report. In addition, a 2025 Pew Research Center report found that one-third of blue-collar workers said they need more formal training to further their careers. The report notes that younger blue-collar workers are more likely than older workers to feel less satisfied with their jobs, and are therefore more eager to seek upskilling opportunities. In response to those trends, businesses are increasing a focus on continuous learning, upskilling, and reskilling programs.

Deloitte Global's 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, which features responses from more than 14,750 Gen Zers and more than 8,730 millennials, highlights that the former group is committed to continuous upskilling. Seventy percent of Gen Z respondents said they develop their skills, 67 percent of whom do so outside work hours.

However, Deloitte Global's report shows that many young workers feel unprepared for emerging artificial-intelligence-driven roles in white-collar jobs. Almost two-thirds of Gen Zers worry that AI will eliminate those jobs.

Skill-oriented certification programs are paying dividends. A 2025 Australian study, "Skill-Driven Certification Pathways: Measuring Industry Training Impact on Graduate Employability," notes that combining degrees with industry credentials significantly boosts employability in technology roles. Companies that prioritize hiring for skill and invest in accompanying upskilling and career development programs could help more young professionals feel satisfied and appreciated in their current roles.