Although concerns about the growing presence of AI in the workforce persist, Mike Rowe regards this development as a valuable opportunity for young individuals to pursue careers in skilled trades. Vocational fields such as plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC are experiencing increased engagement from Generation Z. Rowe believes this trend is shaping the so-called “Toolbelt Generation,” which may provide more enduring job stability than white-collar positions that are susceptible to automation.
The toolbelt generation consists of "grey collar" workers. Grey-collar roles are jobs that don't fit neatly into either blue-collar or white-collar categories; instead, they blend aspects of both. Grey-collar professions often demand specific hands-on learning training, licenses, and some formal education.
Virginia is facing a shortage of skilled workers in fields like construction, advanced manufacturing, shipbuilding, energy, and defense. Newport News Shipbuilding plans to hire thousands of new-collar employees, and both Amazon and Dominion Energy aim to construct small nuclear plants to keep up with rising electricity needs. This demand could double in fifteen years, requiring even more skilled labor. Companies such as Lowes and construction firms are also focusing on recruiting veterans for reskilling and job opportunities.
Gen Z prioritizes stability, flexibility, and personal satisfaction over prestige or academic success. Policies promoting apprenticeships and vocational training support this trend, and a third of Americans now suggest trade schools for new graduates.
By the 2030s, vocational tracks are projected to compete with college for student interest. Generation Z increasingly views these options as practical alternatives, weighing them for cost, fit, and career prospects. Learn more at AlternativesToCollege.com
Recommendations for Toolbelt Careers:
- Find trades that match your interests, like plumbing, electrical work, or carpentry.
- Seek out hands-on learning or apprenticeships.
- Obtain necessary certifications or licenses.
- Network with professionals and join industry organizations.
- Keep up with industry trends and technological changes.
- Consider launching your own business.
Reasons to Choose Trade Schools:
- Practical, job-ready training
- Faster completion times
- Support for job placement
- Careers in fields with long-term demand
- Lower tuition costs
- Focused curriculum
Trade schools offer stable careers, lower unemployment rates, and roles like electricians, welders, and plumbers are projected to grow rapidly through 2032 due to infrastructure demands (McKinsey & Company). With reduced costs, less debt, higher earning potential, and programs often completed in nine months, trade school graduates secure full-time jobs faster than college students who typically face longer internships.
Trade schools connect education to employment, especially for homeschooled students who lack career technical education (CTE) options. In Virginia, 60,000 homeschooled students and 426,000 adults without diplomas or GEDs face CTE access barriers. Private trade schools like Virginia Technical Academy provide open-access, performance-based training aligned with workforce needs, graduating over 1,500 students since 2020 and achieving strong job placement rates.
Skilled trades offer strong salaries—often averaging $80,000 annually—with minimal student debt. Electricians, HVAC technicians, welders, plumbers, and other skilled professionals can earn even more through specialization or self-employment. Trade schools help produce skilled professionals who can fill Virginia’s skills gap and stimulate personal and economic growth.
Glenn Marshall, President of the Virginia Peninsula Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), a member of the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME), the Reshoring Initiative, and a career pathways volunteer for Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) (retired). Email him at [email protected].