Seeing More Interest From Young Tradespeople? Thank Social Media

Is social media the solution to the shortage of skilled tradespeople in home improvement and remodeling?

That might just be the case, according to a survey from tech firm Thumbtack, which revealed that two out of three Gen Zers (those aged 16-26) said that social media has increased their interest in the skilled trades. Additionally, 60% said they think the trades have become increasingly ‘instagrammable.’ Maybe Gen Z is becoming the “Toolbelt Generation,” as some media outlets have suggested.

The survey of more than 3,200 U.S. Gen Zers, their parents, and home service pros showed that social media has become one of the most significant influences over Gen Z career choices, ranking higher than teachers, siblings, and family members. Fifty-five percent of Gen Z is now considering a career in the skilled trades, and that number increases to 72% for Gen Zers with a college degree. Interest in the trades among Gen Z women and men is nearly equal, 52% vs 57% respectively, signaling a major shift from previous generations. 

The big draw is seeing authentic on-the-job experiences posted to TikTok and Instagram, and seeing people like themselves working and earning money right away in a career they enjoy and find challenging. These day-in-the-life stories have led this generation to have universally high respect for and interest in the skilled trades.

Those social media posts have also shown Gen Z that a traditional four-year college degree is not their only path to success. In fact, 80% of those surveyed said the skilled trades can be a better pathway to economic security than college, and that number jumps to 93% among those with a four-year degree.

This is great news for home service pros who said that finding and hiring young workers was their biggest concern. And they can take heart in the fact that 89% of those already working in a skilled trade expressed high job satisfaction.