Why Gen Z is Turning to Trades for Job Security in the Age of AI

High school graduates are increasingly opting for trades qualifications as a safeguard against the uncertainties brought by artificial intelligence (AI), according to Apprenticeships Are Us, a not-for-profit organization.

The demand for skilled trades is on the rise, offering long-term job security and stability that many traditional professional roles can't guarantee in the face of AI advancements. Phil Cooksey, the general manager of the charity, highlights that Gen Z is particularly aware of the risks AI poses to office-based jobs, driving them towards trades where human skills remain irreplaceable.

Economic factors such as the high cost of living and the ongoing skills shortages in Australia are also pushing more individuals towards apprenticeships. Tradies across various industries have the upper hand, often able to set their own prices due to the high demand for their skills.

Despite the growing interest, apprentice wages and the stigma around skipping university remain significant barriers. However, with Australia needing an extra 130,000 tradespeople to meet the government's housing targets by 2029, the opportunities in the trades sector are undeniable.

Fields like carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and machinery operation are seeing a surge in apprenticeship inquiries, proving that hands-on skills are becoming increasingly valued in our technology-driven world.