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AI era: Gen Z seeks stable trades over degrees
1 Feb
Summary
- AI is expected to transform workforce, affecting Gen Z and Alpha most.
- Skilled trades like electricians offer stable careers resistant to AI.
- Electricians in the US can earn $50,000-$60,000 starting, rising significantly.
Artificial intelligence is poised to significantly alter the global job landscape by 2050, with estimates suggesting up to 60% of existing roles will require substantial adaptation. This seismic shift is expected to impact younger generations, Gen Z and Gen Alpha, the most profoundly. For individuals in their early twenties, the once-reliable pathway of a college degree for a secure white-collar job is no longer guaranteed.
Many in Gen Z are now actively seeking careers that AI is unlikely to replace soon. These include roles in healthcare, such as doctors and nurses, as well as skilled manual labor. Professions like electricians, auto technicians, and construction workers are in demand, requiring hands-on expertise and problem-solving skills that are difficult for AI to replicate.
For instance, the author explored becoming an electrician, a trade requiring both dexterity and intellect, after finding traditional jobs unfulfilling. This career path offers a stable income, with US electricians potentially earning $50,000 to $60,000 starting and much more with experience. Unlike degrees that can lead to debt, trades provide immediate earning potential and a skill that grows in value over time.
