gen z

The Real ROI: How Trade School Salaries Are Stacking Up Against College in 2026

There's a question I've been asked more times than I can count: Is the trades path really worth it financially, or does a college degree still win in the end? I've always known the answer. But in 2026, the data is finally catching up to what people in the trades have known for a long time.

The trade school vs. college salary debate looks very different today than it did a decade ago. Not because college has gotten worse, but because the math has shifted in ways that are hard to ignore. Costs have soared on one side. Wages have climbed on the other. And the gap in between has become a genuine opportunity for anyone willing to look at it clearly. Read More »

A tradesperson teaching person from Gen z blue collar work

Gen Z Blue Collar: Navigating the Future of Work in 2024

Employment has evolved dramatically over the past few decades. And there’s been a massive shift in the way younger generations view career paths. Generation Z, born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, is now entering the workforce and challenging traditional norms. While white-collar jobs have long been the aspiration of many, a new trend is emerging: Gen Z is beginning to explore and embrace blue-collar careers. But what does this mean for the future of work, and why is this shift significant?

How Are Blue Collar Jobs Doing in 2024?

In 2024, blue-collar jobs are experiencing robust growth across several key sectors. Fields such as HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), electrical work, and construction are projected to grow at rates that outpace many other industries. This surge in demand is largely driven by the retirement of older generations, creating a vacuum that requires skilled workers to fill. Read More »