A significant number of young individuals are increasingly viewing pursuing a career in the trades as a faster route to make £100,000 compared to attending university. This trend is driven by concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on future job prospects, leading many to find traditional careers more appealing.
A recent survey of 2,000 adults under the age of 28 revealed that only 19% believe choosing university over an apprenticeship is a wise decision, while 40% consider opting for an apprenticeship a better choice. Additionally, more than a third of respondents are eager to steer clear of accumulating student loan debt.
Sarah Hartland from Draper Tools, the organization behind the research, commented, “It’s intriguing to gain insights into young people’s perspectives on entering the trade industry. With the escalating costs of university education and interest rates, a growing number of young individuals are exploring apprenticeships as a more favorable path forward.”
Nearly half of men (46%) and over a quarter of women (28%) have contemplated switching industries to pursue a trade-related profession. Moreover, one in four individuals prefer hands-on roles over desk-bound jobs, as highlighted by research from OnePoll.com. The appeal of learning practical skills, achieving a better work-life balance, and finding satisfaction in creating or fixing things were also significant factors influencing career decisions.
A majority of respondents (over 60%) perceive working in the trades as a “cool job,” with a growing positive outlook on manual professions compared to five years ago. Many individuals believe that trade roles offer better mental health benefits than desk jobs, with a sense of fun and fulfillment often associated with being a tradesperson.
Apart from financial incentives and job satisfaction, concerns about AI advancements have spurred 33% of young people to consider trade careers. Painting and decorating (32%), electrical work (20%), and landscaping (20%) were identified as the most preferred trade jobs if individuals were to switch industries.
Over half of the respondents believe that becoming a tradesperson would enable them to purchase a home more swiftly than pursuing a university degree, with 32% eager to start earning promptly. It was also revealed that only 14% of the surveyed individuals own their own homes, with a significant portion (39%) still living with their parents. Additionally, 29% of university students expressed a willingness to alter their decision regarding higher education if given the chance.
Sarah Hartland from Draper Tools further emphasized, “There is a growing positive perception among young individuals towards working in the trades. In a time of screen fatigue and increasing burnout, the appeal of hands-on roles that offer a different work-life balance is becoming more evident.”
“With the right tools and support, pursuing a trade can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career journey, and it is encouraging to witness this awareness rising,” she added.