More Gen Z turning to trades over four-year degrees

Haircut in progress at a barber shop in early afternoon — Source: towfiqu ahamed / Getty

INDIANAPOLIS — As more young people reconsider their career paths, a growing number are turning to careers in trades over traditional four-year college degrees. This shift is particularly evident among Gen Z, who are increasingly turning to vocational training for jobs in fields like construction, auto mechanics, and cosmetology as options for their futures.

At a local beauty school, Tricoci University, a first-ever beauty camp took place aimed at introducing high school students and recent graduates to various career paths in the industry early on.

18-year-old Rei Kuang, who is interested in the beauty industry, attended the camp.

“I’ve always thought that going to a trade school has always been an option for me.” For Kuang, this option includes attending Tricoci University, which has multiple campuses across the Midwest.

Reflecting on her passion for hands-on creativity, Kuang adds, “I have always loved art and anything that I can get my hands dirty in. So being able to translate that like putting makeup on and doing your nails, anything that’s what I like to do.”