A growing shift among Generation Z suggests that young adults choosing trade schools over four-year colleges prompts a conversation between WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey. The two explore why skilled trades are becoming more attractive in an era of rising college costs and artificial intelligence, while also asking listeners whether a lingering stigma still exists around blue-collar careers. Kristin questions whether many parents and students still view college as the “gold standard,” even as trades offer strong job security and competitive salaries.
The conversation broadens to the value of practical, hands-on skills regardless of career path. Steve argues that schools should continue expanding shop classes and trade education to better prepare students for in-demand careers, while Kristin emphasizes that learning skills like carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work benefits everyone—even those who pursue different professions. They both agree that students should feel empowered to choose the path that best fits their talents rather than one driven by outdated expectations about success.
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