5 percent now considering a trades career, up 12 percent year-over-year, as home services professionals report their jobs are ‘increasingly Instagrammable’

Thumbtack, a technology company dedicated to helping millions care for their homes, has released its second annual Future of Skilled Trades Report. This report, which analyzes data from Gen Z, their parents, and home service professionals, reveals key insights into the rising interest in skilled trades and how social media is influencing career choices.

Gen Z's Shift Toward Skilled Trades
The report indicates that two out of three Gen Zers attribute their increased interest in skilled trades to social media, a figure that rises to three out of four among those with a college degree. Social media platforms are now the second-biggest influence on this generation's career decisions, surpassing traditional sources like teachers and family. This trend has led to the emergence of the #NoFilterWorkforce, where authentic portrayals of on-the-job experiences resonate strongly with young people.

Marco Zappacosta, co-founder and CEO of Thumbtack, notes, “Gen Zers are looking for careers that allow them to work and earn money right away, while pursuing a career they enjoy and learning new skills—all qualities that the skilled trades deliver on.” He emphasizes that this interest is vital for addressing the industry’s talent shortage as seasoned professionals retire.

Key Findings on Gen Z and Skilled Trades

1. Growing Interest

   • 55% of Gen Z is now considering a career in skilled trades, marking a 12-point increase from last year. This interest climbs to 72% among those with a college degree.
   • The increasing popularity of “day-in-the-life” stories shared on social media, particularly on TikTok and Instagram, has contributed to this trend. In fact, 77% of Gen Z have noticed heightened attention to skilled trades on social media in the past year.

2. Gender Parity in Interest

   • There’s a nearly equal interest in skilled trades among Gen Z women (52%) and men (57%), indicating a significant cultural shift from previous generations.

3. Parental Perspectives

   • While 80% of parents believe that learning a skilled trade offers a better path to economic security than attending college, 77% still encourage their children to pursue four-year degrees.

4. Skilled Trades Professionals' Satisfaction

   • An impressive 89% of skilled trades professionals report high job satisfaction, significantly higher than traditional careers like law and medicine, which are the only professions more respected than skilled trades among Gen Z.

5. Social Media’s Influence on the Trades

   • 60% of skilled trades professionals believe their work is becoming more ‘Instagrammable,’ reflecting a major cultural shift in the industry.

Real Stories, Real Opportunities
Jack Marquardt, an owner of Electric Avenue and a member of Thumbtack’s Pro Advisory Board, shared his experience, saying, “After serving in the military, college felt routine, and I quickly saw myself headed down a path where I’d be sitting in an office doing the same thing day after day. Instead of going into debt, I completed an electrical apprenticeship and got paid throughout the four-year process.” He highlights the benefits of skilled trades, such as flexibility and the ability to provide essential services that enhance people's lives.

Addressing the Workforce Challenge
Thumbtack’s report also reveals that finding and hiring young workers is the top concern for home service professionals. The company aims to spotlight these challenges and assist the hundreds of thousands of businesses on its platform to thrive sustainably in an evolving industry.

The Future of Skilled Trades Report underscores the transformative potential of social media in shaping Gen Z’s career aspirations and highlights a crucial opportunity for the skilled trades industry. With a growing interest in trade careers, this generation may well redefine the workforce landscape, fostering a future where skilled trades are not just respected but actively sought after.