The skyrocketing cost of a four-year college education in recent years has over 40% of Gen Z choosing a different path – and posting about it on social media. To challenge the decades-old narrative that everyone must go to college to get a good job, they post “day in the life” video clips to show what trade jobs are really like.

The world needs many more qualified workers in skilled trade jobs like electricians, welders and HVAC technicians. Job seekers of all ages are drawn to the promise of lower (or no) student debt, job stability in a world feeling threatened by AI, and more hands-on tasks.

See how these young people are inspiring a new generation of skilled trade workers!

(Photo credit Andrew Salgado)