LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — In a surprising shift from the traditional “college-first” career path, a growing number of Generation Z workers are forgoing four-year degrees in favor of blue-collar careers, many of which are proving to be more resistant to artificial intelligence disruption.

For decades, high school graduates were encouraged to pursue college degrees as the default route to financial stability. However, with skyrocketing tuition costs, increasing student debt, and uncertain returns on investment, many Gen Zers are charting a different course.

“I’m not really the best at school as far as sitting in front of a computer with a sheet of paper and filling in numbers, that doesn’t work for me,” plumbing technician student Braden Cohli said.

Data from the U.S. Department of Labor shows a 19% increase in enrollment in trade schools and apprenticeships over the past three years. Fields like plumbing, electrical work, welding, HVAC, and automotive repair are seeing surges in interest.

As AI continues to evolve, it’s becoming clear that not all jobs are equally vulnerable to automation. Gen Z’s move toward blue-collar careers may not only be a reaction to economic pressures but it could also be a forward-looking strategy to future-proof their livelihoods.

“You can’t replace the tradesman. There’s no way artificial intelligence can go and sit in front of a sink, look at it, open it and take it apart,” Cohli said. 

According to Resume Builder, 42% of Gen Z is currently working in or pursuing a blue-collar trade job with nearly 40% of those with a bachelor’s degree.