Local business owners say more Gen Z graduates are pursuing trades instead of college

GLENPOOL, Okla. — Going into “the trades” is gaining popularity with Gen Z.

Local business owners said they’re seeing more and more Gen Z graduates are pursuing skilled-labor jobs instead of college.

FOX23 spoke to a high school senior about his decision to learn the skilled trades.

“Trades are always going to be around. Trades run the world basically,” said 18-year-old Skylur Young, a senior at Glenpool High School.

Since January, he’s been working as an intern at Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric.

Last week, he signed on at a special signing day to join their team as a full-time apprentice after graduation.

He has loved getting to help with service calls and can’t wait to learn even more.

“It definitely gives you a good feeling to help some people out,” said Young. “It’s a really good start to the rest of my life.”

The owners of Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric, Oscar and Cassie Pound, said they’re seeing an increase in the amount of Gen Z students choosing to go the trade route.

“We’ve been really big advocates of making sure that we are talking to high school students about the trades and getting into the industry,” said Cassie. “I remember when I went to high school that conversation was just college, college, college and we do believe college is great, but maybe not the best option for everyone.”

For some, one factor is an uncertainty about how artificial intelligence, AI, may affect jobs in the future.

However, trades like heat and air, plumbing and electric are expected to be a safe bet long-term, despite advancing technologies.

“One thing that we know for sure is water is going to break, air conditioners are going to break and there’s still so much that has to be done with your hands,” Cassie said.

Oscar said even though AI may play a part in trades, it could never replace the jobs trades like this offer.

“There are very important things that AI is doing, even in our trade, but for people interested in coming into the field, there will always be an opportunity,” Oscar said.

Young is excited about this opportunity and after his three-year apprenticeship, he can take a test to get his license.

He wants others who love problem solving, trouble shooting and working with your hands to be aware of opportunities like this.

“Getting into the trades is a great idea and it’ll set you up for the rest of your life,” Young said.