What’s behind Gen Z’s shift from college to trade schools? ROI
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Steve Hunsaker
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Those entering the trades or home service businesses don’t have to stop at being a technician and doing all the work themselves. With the right systems, it’s entirely possible to scale a one-person operation into a thriving business.”
I’ve spent the last decade building multiple home service businesses in Arizona. Along the way, I’ve helped nearly 300 other service business owners do the same. What I’m seeing now is a massive shift: Gen Z is walking away from the traditional college path and heading straight into the trades. And honestly? It’s one of the smartest moves they could make.
College ROI just isn’t there anymore
The average cost of a four-year degree in the U.S. has more than doubled in the 21st century. Meanwhile, the return on that investment has steadily declined. Gen Zers are realizing they can spend one to two years in a trade program, avoid debt and step into a career that pays well from day one.
Some more advanced blue-collar jobs require apprenticeships; however, those are almost always paid. In some regions, payment for apprenticeships start at $40 an hour — more than college costs in a year, and no MLA formatting required!
And with the rise of AI, trades like plumbing, HVAC and electrical work are looking more secure than ever.
The trades are booming, and they’re not slowing down
Vocational training enrollment is surging. Construction trade programs saw a 23% increase recently, while HVAC and vehicle maintenance programs grew by 7%. There’s a massive labor shortage in the trades, and Gen Z is stepping up to fill the gap while building careers.
Additionally, GenZ has seen the lower barriers of entry for home service jobs, where you can just plug and play without having to go through a long apprenticeship program and be in the driver’s seat of your own life.
Some of the most profitable people I know aren’t doctors or lawyers, it’s the 23-year-olds washing windows or power-washing driveways. I’ve seen several young adults hit six-figure milestones. These days, many people in corporate America fear they’ll never be home owners, never pay off their student loans, never get out of that paycheck-to-paycheck cycle — very real fears. But the tides are shifting. I’ve seen college-aged individuals living below the poverty line build a business that profits over $30,000 a month and become debt-free.
From technician to business owner: Scaling smart
Those entering the trades or home service businesses don’t have to stop at being a technician and doing all the work themselves. With the right systems, it’s entirely possible to scale a one-person operation into a thriving business. Here’s how:
Niche down: Focus on one high-demand service and become the go-to expert in your area.
Systematize everything: Use tools like CRMs to manage leads, automate follow-ups and streamline scheduling.
Leverage local marketing: Simple strategies like yard signs, referral programs and a strong Google Business Profile can drive consistent leads.
Invest in team building: Hire and train a reliable team to handle the work, allowing you to focus on growth.
Old school works — you don’t have to be a disruptor: People think there’s a big “ah-hah” moment where they are randomly crowned an official business owner. The reality is, you’re one trip to the home improvement store and less than $200 away from having a full business. Not everyone needs to invent the next tech unicorn. Simple scales.
Scaling a service business isn’t about working more hours, it’s about working smarter. With the right approach, you can build a business that not only supports your lifestyle but also contributes to your community.
The bottom line
Gen Z is redefining success by choosing trades over traditional college paths. They’re seeking financial stability, job security and the opportunity to build something of their own. And with the current demand in the trades, the timing couldn’t be better. For those ready to take the leap, the trades and home service businesses offer not just a job, but a pathway to financial freedom.
Editor’s note: Steve Hunsaker is a Scottsdale-based entrepreneur and founder of Home Service Accelerator. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
