Trade School Enrollment Grows Among Young People

Trade School Boom Among Gen Z Young Americans are increasingly choosing trade schools over traditional four-year colleges in a dramatic shift that’s reshaping higher education. Trade school enrollment grew 4.9% from 2020 to 2023, contrasting sharply with a 0.6% decline in university enrollment during the same period.

Dramatic Growth in Vocational Programs Enrollment in vocational-focused community colleges increased 16% from 2022 to 2023, reaching the highest level since tracking began in 2018. Construction trades saw a 23% surge in students in 2023 compared to the year before, with a 7% increase in HVAC and vehicle maintenance programs.

The “Toolbelt Generation” In the first quarter of 2024, while Gen Z made up 18% of the overall workforce, 18- to 25-year-olds comprised nearly 25% of all new hires in skilled trade industries. This generation is being dubbed the “toolbelt generation” for their embrace of hands-on careers.

Financial Motivations Drive the Shift More than half of Gen Zers say it’s possible to get a well-paying job with only a high school diploma, provided one acquires other skills. With college costs averaging $36,436 per year, many young people see trade education as offering better return on investment with minimal debt.

High School Programs Also Growing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in high schools are experiencing similar growth. In Idaho’s Boise School District, autobody classes are at 120% enrollment and collision repair is at 130% enrollment, with HVAC and electrical plumbing up 200%.

Categories Seeing Strongest Growth Healthcare trade schools have seen the most consistent growth from 2017 to 2023, with culinary arts schools emerging as the fastest-growing subtype. Beauty and wellness programs also show strong enrollment increases.

Future Projections Trade school enrollment and market revenue is expected to grow by at least 6% through 2030, while broader higher education is only expected to grow at 0.8%. Eighty-two percent of high school career counselors expect demand for career education to continue growing faster than demand for traditional higher education.

The data clearly shows that more young people are choosing trade education, driven by concerns about college debt, attractive earning potential in skilled trades, and changing attitudes about the value of hands-on careers versus traditional four-year degrees.