{"id":6940,"date":"2026-06-02T18:03:16","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T18:03:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/?p=6940"},"modified":"2026-06-02T18:29:01","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T18:29:01","slug":"skilled-trades-survey-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/skilled-trades-survey-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"The June 2026 SimplyWise Trades &#038; Technology Index"},"content":{"rendered":"<br \/>\n<style id=\"sw-ti-hub\"> .sw-ti .sw-ti__toprow{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:13px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:0} .sw-ti a.sw-ti__back{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:5px;font-size:12px;font-weight:600;color:#94a3b8!important;text-decoration:none!important;border:0!important;margin:0;padding:0;line-height:1;white-space:nowrap;transition:color .15s ease} .sw-ti a.sw-ti__back:hover{color:#087ACC!important}  body.admin-bar .sw-ti__nav{top:32px!important} @media screen and (max-width:782px){body.admin-bar 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.sw-ti__footer .legal{display:flex;justify-content:space-between;gap:24px;flex-wrap:wrap;font-size:12px;color:#94a3b8;} \/* RESPONSIVE 390 *\/ @media(max-width:760px){ .sw-ti .sw-ti__hero{flex-direction:column;align-items:flex-start;padding:56px 20px 40px;gap:32px;} .sw-ti .sw-ti__hero h1{font-size:38px;letter-spacing:-0.9px;} .sw-ti .sw-ti__hero-r{width:100%;border-left:0;border-top:1px solid var(--line);padding-left:0;padding-top:24px;} .sw-ti .sw-ti__hero-r .num{font-size:72px;} .sw-ti .sw-ti__nav{gap:18px;padding:0 20px;overflow-x:auto;} .sw-ti .sw-ti__sec{padding:36px 20px;} .sw-ti .sw-ti__sec h2{font-size:26px;} .sw-ti .sw-ti__cards{grid-template-columns:1fr;} .sw-ti .sw-ti__bar{flex-wrap:wrap;gap:4px 10px;} .sw-ti .sw-ti__bar .lab{width:100%;font-weight:600;} .sw-ti .sw-ti__donut-row{gap:32px;} .sw-ti .sw-ti__footer{padding:40px 20px;} .sw-ti .sw-ti__footer-row{flex-direction:column;align-items:flex-start;} } <\/style>\n<article class=\"sw-ti\"><!-- HERO --><\/p>\n<section class=\"sw-ti__hero\" id=\"overview-top\">\n<div class=\"sw-ti__hero-l\">\n<div class=\"sw-ti__toprow\"><a class=\"sw-ti__back\" href=\"\/blog\/\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&larr;<\/span> Back to blog<\/a><span class=\"sw-ti__pill\"><span class=\"dot\"><\/span>JUNE 2026&nbsp;&nbsp;&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;SIMPLYWISE TRADES &amp; TECHNOLOGY INDEX<\/span><\/div>\n<h1>The June 2026 SimplyWise Trades &amp; Technology Index<\/h1>\n<p class=\"sub\">Our 2026 skilled trades survey of how Gen Z sees AI, college, and the future of work.<\/p>\n<p class=\"standfirst\">SimplyWise builds software for tradespeople and contractors. The SimplyWise Trades &amp; Technology Index is a skilled trades survey tracking how young Americans think about the trades, higher education, AI, and career opportunities. Future editions will allow for trend analysis.<\/p>\n<p class=\"date\">June 2, 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__hero-r\"><span class=\"lbl\">Lead finding<\/span><span class=\"num\">66%<\/span><span class=\"cap\">of Gen Z would encourage a friend to consider a skilled trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><!-- NAV --><\/p>\n<nav class=\"sw-ti__nav\"><a class=\"active\" href=\"#overview\">Overview<\/a><a href=\"#findings\">Findings<\/a><a href=\"#voices\">Voices<\/a><a href=\"#context\">Context<\/a><a href=\"#methodology\">Methodology<\/a><\/nav>\n<p><!-- OVERVIEW --><\/p>\n<section class=\"sw-ti__sec\" id=\"overview\">\n<div class=\"col\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Overview<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Overview<\/h2>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>For two generations, the advice to American teenagers was simple: earn a four-year degree. The June 2026 SimplyWise Trades &amp; Technology Index, a skilled trades survey of 1,140 Gen Z adults, suggests that consensus is beginning to weaken as Gen Z weighs the costs, risks, and opportunities of a rapidly changing economy.<\/p>\n<p>Across 1,140 Gen Z adults ages 18 to 29, this skilled trades survey finds a consistent picture. Asked which careers are safest as AI reshapes the economy, Gen Z points away from the office and toward the job site. They are nearly as likely to choose a trade as a degree when they imagine starting over. And they extend the trades something earlier generations often withheld: respect.<\/p>\n<p>The shift is not absolute. The four-year degree remains highly valued, and on several measures, college and trade school finish in a statistical tie. However, the direction is clear, and it is especially pronounced among those with the most at stake: current college students and young people pursuing careers in technology.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><!-- KEY FINDINGS CARDS --><\/p>\n<section class=\"sw-ti__sec\" style=\"background:#fff;\">\n<div class=\"col\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">At a glance<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Key findings at a glance<\/h2>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__cards\">\n<div class=\"sw-ti__card sw-ti__card--accent\"><span class=\"n\">52%<\/span><span class=\"t\">current college students say skilled trades feel safer than office jobs in an AI future<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__card\"><span class=\"n\">66%<\/span><span class=\"t\">of Gen Z would encourage a friend to consider a skilled trade<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__card\"><span class=\"n\">34%<\/span><span class=\"t\">of Gen Z choose a trade school as top path to financial stability by 30 (vs. 23% who pick a four-year degree)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__card\"><span class=\"n\">30%<\/span><span class=\"t\">of Gen Z name skilled trades the single most-respected career path today<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__card\"><span class=\"n\">25%<\/span><span class=\"t\">would choose trade school if starting over<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><!-- FINDING 1 --><\/p>\n<section class=\"sw-ti__sec\" id=\"findings\">\n<div class=\"col\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Finding 1<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>College Is No Longer the Automatic Choice<\/h2>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Gen Z has not turned against college. They have stopped treating it as the default path to success. When asked which path is most likely to deliver financial stability by age 30, more respondents choose trade school or an apprenticeship (34%) than a four-year degree (23%). Indeed, nearly half (49%) say they would pick trade school over college if they were choosing today. Even among students already enrolled in college, one in three (35%) say the same.<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, attitudes toward higher education remain nuanced. About half of respondents (49%) said a four-year degree is worth the cost. Yet when asked what path they would choose today if starting over after high school, Gen Z was almost evenly split between a four-year college (26%) and trade school or an apprenticeship (25%).<\/p>\n<p>The findings suggest that college remains highly valued, but no longer enjoys the clear preference it once did among young Americans.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__chart\"><span class=\"fig\">Most likely path to financial stability by 30<\/span><span class=\"figsub\">% selecting each path<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__bar\"><span class=\"lab\">Trade school \/ apprenticeship<\/span><span class=\"track\"><span class=\"fill accent\" style=\"width:100%\"><\/span><span class=\"val\">34%<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__bar\"><span class=\"lab\">Four-year college degree<\/span><span class=\"track\"><span class=\"fill\" style=\"width:68%\"><\/span><span class=\"val\">23%<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__bar\"><span class=\"lab\">Starting a business<\/span><span class=\"track\"><span class=\"fill\" style=\"width:65%\"><\/span><span class=\"val\">22%<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__bar\"><span class=\"lab\">Not sure<\/span><span class=\"track\"><span class=\"fill\" style=\"width:41%\"><\/span><span class=\"val\">14%<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__bar\"><span class=\"lab\">Self-taught tech \/ online<\/span><span class=\"track\"><span class=\"fill\" style=\"width:24%\"><\/span><span class=\"val\">8%<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"sw-ti__src\">Source: SimplyWise Trades &amp; Technology Index (June 2026), n=1,140, Q9.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><!-- FINDING 2 --><\/p>\n<section class=\"sw-ti__sec\" style=\"background:#fff;\">\n<div class=\"col\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Finding 2<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>The trades look like shelter from AI<\/h2>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Ask Gen Z which careers are most vulnerable to AI, and conventional wisdom gets flipped on its head. Software developers, accountants, and graphic designers top the list of occupations they believe are most at risk. In fact, 38% rank developers as the single job most likely to be disrupted by AI over the next decade. The skilled trades sit at the opposite end of the spectrum. Nearly 45% of respondents rank HVAC technicians as the safest occupation we tested, while 42% place plumbers among the two safest careers. Across all six occupations, software developers, accountants, and graphic designers form a clear &#8220;high-risk&#8221; tier, while electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians are viewed as substantially more insulated from AI-driven disruption.<\/p>\n<p>Exactly 50% of those surveyed say AI has already changed how they think about their career. The shift tends to favor occupations perceived as less vulnerable to automation, particularly skilled trades and other forms of hands-on work: 46% say the trades feel safer than office jobs in an AI future, a figure that climbs to 52% among those already enrolled in college.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__chart\"><span class=\"fig\">Which jobs will AI replace first?<\/span><span class=\"figsub\">Average AI-risk score across six occupations (higher = more vulnerable to AI)<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__bar\"><span class=\"lab\">Software developer<\/span><span class=\"track\"><span class=\"fill\" style=\"width:100%\"><\/span><span class=\"val\">4.76<\/span><span class=\"note\">More vulnerable to AI<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__bar\"><span class=\"lab\">Accountant<\/span><span class=\"track\"><span class=\"fill\" style=\"width:94%\"><\/span><span class=\"val\">4.49<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__bar\"><span class=\"lab\">Graphic designer<\/span><span class=\"track\"><span class=\"fill\" style=\"width:92%\"><\/span><span class=\"val\">4.36<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__bar\"><span class=\"lab\">Electrician<\/span><span class=\"track\"><span class=\"fill accent\" style=\"width:66%\"><\/span><span class=\"val\">3.14<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__bar\"><span class=\"lab\">Plumber<\/span><span class=\"track\"><span class=\"fill accent\" style=\"width:45%\"><\/span><span class=\"val\">2.14<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__bar\"><span class=\"lab\">HVAC technician<\/span><span class=\"track\"><span class=\"fill accent\" style=\"width:44%\"><\/span><span class=\"val\">2.11<\/span><span class=\"note\">Less vulnerable to AI<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"sw-ti__src\">Source: SimplyWise Trades &amp; Technology Index (June 2026), n=1,140, Q4.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__pull\"><span class=\"q\">&#8220;I want a skilled trade that AI can&#8217;t replace.&#8221;<\/span><span class=\"attr\">Pursuing a skilled trade &middot; 22-24<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><!-- FINDING 3 --><\/p>\n<section class=\"sw-ti__sec\">\n<div class=\"col\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Finding 3<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Even future technologists see tech careers as vulnerable to AI<\/h2>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>The sharpest signal comes from the people most interested in building the technology itself. Among Gen Z respondents looking to enter a career in tech or software, 73% rank software developer among the jobs most exposed to AI disruption, compared with 68% of respondents overall. In other words, those most interested in entering the field are also among the most likely to view it as vulnerable to AI. When asked which careers appear safer, they tend to point toward the skilled trades.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__chart\"><span class=\"fig\">Tech-bound Gen Z even more concerned about AI&#8217;s impact on software development<\/span><span class=\"figsub\">% ranking software developer among occupations most vulnerable to AI.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__bar\"><span class=\"lab\">Gen Z pursuing tech \/ software<\/span><span class=\"track\"><span class=\"fill accent\" style=\"width:100%\"><\/span><span class=\"val\">73%<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__bar\"><span class=\"lab\">All respondents<\/span><span class=\"track\"><span class=\"fill\" style=\"width:93%\"><\/span><span class=\"val\">68%<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"sw-ti__src\">Source: SimplyWise Trades &amp; Technology Index (June 2026), n=1,140, Q4 (derived).<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__pull\"><span class=\"q\">&#8220;I got a degree in Graphic Design but now everyone uses AI to do everything.&#8221;<\/span><span class=\"attr\">28-29 &middot; Mountain<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><!-- FINDING 4 --><\/p>\n<section class=\"sw-ti__sec\" style=\"background:#fff;\">\n<div class=\"col\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Finding 4<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Skilled trades have gained status among Gen Z<\/h2>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>The survey suggests that changing attitudes toward the trades extend beyond economics. Two-thirds of Gen Z (66%) would encourage a friend to consider a skilled trade, while only 10% said they would discourage it. Seven in ten (70%) say their generation holds the trades in higher regard than it did a few years ago. Notably, when asked which single career path earns their respect most, skilled trades ranked first (30%), ahead of small business ownership (22%), academic and professional careers (12%), corporate careers (12%), and technology and AI careers (10%).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__rank\"><span class=\"fig\">Skilled trades rank as Gen Z&#8217;s most respected career path<\/span><span class=\"figsub\">% selecting each career path as most respected<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__rrow top\"><span class=\"rk\">1<\/span><span class=\"rl\">Skilled trades<\/span><span class=\"rv\">30%<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__rrow\"><span class=\"rk\">2<\/span><span class=\"rl\">Owning a small business<\/span><span class=\"rv\">22%<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__rrow\"><span class=\"rk\">3<\/span><span class=\"rl\">Academic \/ professional careers<\/span><span class=\"rv\">12%<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__rrow\"><span class=\"rk\">4<\/span><span class=\"rl\">Corporate \/ office careers<\/span><span class=\"rv\">12%<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__rrow\"><span class=\"rk\">5<\/span><span class=\"rl\">Tech or AI careers<\/span><span class=\"rv\">10%<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"sw-ti__src\">Source: SimplyWise Trades &amp; Technology Index (June 2026), n=1,140, Q13.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><!-- FINDING 5 --><\/p>\n<section class=\"sw-ti__sec\">\n<div class=\"col\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Finding 5<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Personal experience shapes views on higher education<\/h2>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Behind the numbers is something many of these young Americans have seen firsthand. A majority (54%) said they personally know a college graduate who is struggling financially. That experience appears to influence career preferences. Among those who know a graduate struggling financially, 57% say they would choose trade school over college. Among those who do not know such a college graduate, that figure falls to 44%.<\/p>\n<p>The findings suggest that personal exposure to graduates facing financial challenges may contribute to growing interest in trade schools and apprenticeships among young Americans.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__donuts\"><span class=\"fig\">Would choose trade school over college<\/span><span class=\"figsub\">% who would choose trade school over college, by whether they know a struggling college graduate<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__donut-row\">\n<div class=\"sw-ti__donut\">\n<div class=\"sw-ti__ring\" style=\"background:conic-gradient(var(--accent) 0 73%,#dbe2ea 73% 100%)\"><span>73%<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"dl\">Gen Z pursuing tech \/ software<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__donut\">\n<div class=\"sw-ti__ring\" style=\"background:conic-gradient(var(--navy) 0 68%,#dbe2ea 68% 100%)\"><span>68%<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"dl\">All respondents<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"sw-ti__src\">Source: SimplyWise Trades &amp; Technology Index (June 2026), n=1,140, Q8 and Q14.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><!-- VOICES --><\/p>\n<section class=\"sw-ti__sec\" id=\"voices\" style=\"background:#fff;\">\n<div class=\"col\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Voices<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>In their own words<\/h2>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>We also asked respondents to describe, in their own words, how AI has influenced the way they think about careers and the future of work. Their responses reflect many of the themes seen throughout the survey, including concerns about automation, uncertainty about traditional career paths, and growing interest in hands-on occupations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__pull\"><span class=\"q\">&#8220;Since a lot of jobs are being replaced by AI, I have to consider being replaced before I spend years studying for a career I can never have.&#8221;<\/span><span class=\"attr\">Respondent, age 25-27 (Pacific region)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__pull\"><span class=\"q\">&#8220;I think computer work is going to be handed to AI. I do customer service jobs most, and they will definitely all be AI.&#8221;<\/span><span class=\"attr\">Respondent, age 25-27 (Middle Atlantic region)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__pull\"><span class=\"q\">&#8220;It makes me wanna learn my craft even more.&#8221;<\/span><span class=\"attr\">Respondent, age 25-27 (South Atlantic region)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><!-- CONTEXT --><\/p>\n<section class=\"sw-ti__sec\" id=\"context\">\n<div class=\"col\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Context<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>The wider context<\/h2>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>These findings are consistent with broader trends in the U.S. labor market. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/construction-and-extraction\/electricians.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a> expects electrician jobs to grow 7% between 2024 and 2034. That is more than double the 3.1% pace for all occupations. Electrician jobs earn a median wage near $60,000 a year, and many enter the profession through apprenticeships rather than four-year degree programs.<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, public confidence in the value of higher education has softened. The 2024 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/social-trends\/2024\/05\/23\/is-college-worth-it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pew Research study, &#8220;Is College Worth It?&#8221;<\/a>, traces the same growing skepticism about whether a four-year degree is worth the cost. The attitudes expressed by Gen Z respondents in this SimplyWise Trades &amp; Technology survey reflect many of the same questions about career security, return on investment, and long-term economic opportunity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><!-- WHAT IT MEANS --><\/p>\n<section class=\"sw-ti__sec\" style=\"background:#fff;\">\n<div class=\"col\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Analysis<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What it means<\/h2>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>The findings of this skilled trades survey suggest that many young Americans are rethinking long-held assumptions about education, career security, and economic opportunity. While college remains a valued path, it no longer appears to hold the clear advantage it once did. Across multiple measures, respondents viewed skilled trades as offering a compelling combination of financial stability, job security, and resilience in an AI-driven economy.<\/p>\n<p>Perhaps most notably, these attitudes are not limited to those already working in the trades. Current college students, aspiring technology workers, and young adults broadly expressed many of the same concerns about automation and the return on investment of a four-year degree.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, whether these views translate into long-term changes in educational and career choices remains to be seen. Future editions of the SimplyWise Trades &amp; Technology Index will track how perceptions of skilled trades, higher education, and AI continue to evolve.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><!-- METHODOLOGY --><\/p>\n<section class=\"sw-ti__sec\" id=\"methodology\">\n<div class=\"col\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Methodology<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Methodology and limitations<\/h2>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>This skilled trades survey was an online poll of 1,140 U.S. adults ages 18 to 29, fielded via SurveyMonkey Audience in May 2026. The sample is a non-probability, opt-in panel and is not weighted to U.S. population benchmarks. As with all opt-in samples, a classical margin of error does not strictly apply, and results should be treated as directional. The respondent pool skews toward lower household incomes, consistent with a young, early-career population. A separate screened sample of working tradespeople (n=38) was too small to support quantitative estimates and is used only for qualitative context. Percentages may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Question wording for every figure cited appears in the appendix below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><!-- APPENDIX --><\/p>\n<section class=\"sw-ti__sec\" style=\"background:#fff;\">\n<div class=\"col\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Data<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Appendix: selected question wording and results<\/h2>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__qa\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"q\">Q4. Rank these jobs from most to least likely to be replaced or seriously disrupted by AI in the next 10 years (software developer, accountant, graphic designer, electrician, plumber, HVAC technician).<\/div>\n<div class=\"a\">Result: see Figure 1.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"q\">Q7. Which career path feels safer in an AI future?<\/div>\n<div class=\"a\">Skilled trades 46%, office jobs 20%, about the same 16%, unsure 17%. Among current college students: skilled trades 52%, office jobs 17%.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"q\">Q8. Would you pick trade school over college today?<\/div>\n<div class=\"a\">Yes 49% (definitely 26% + probably 22%). Among current college students: 35%.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"q\">Q9. Which path is more likely to create financial stability by age 30?<\/div>\n<div class=\"a\">Trade school or apprenticeship 34%, four-year degree 23%, start a business 22%, not sure 14%, self-taught tech 8%.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"q\">Q10. Is a four-year degree worth the cost for someone your age today?<\/div>\n<div class=\"a\">Worth it 49%, not worth it 29%, unsure 22%.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"q\">Q11. Would you encourage a friend your age to consider a skilled trade?<\/div>\n<div class=\"a\">Yes 66% (definitely 33% + probably 32%), maybe 24%, no 10%.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"q\">Q12. Do people your age respect skilled trades more now than a few years ago?<\/div>\n<div class=\"a\">Yes 70%, no 15%, unsure 14%.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"q\">Q13. Which career path do you respect most today?<\/div>\n<div class=\"a\">Skilled trades 30%, owning a small business 22%, academic\/professional 12%, corporate\/office 12%, tech\/AI 10%, not sure 14%.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"q\">Q14. Do you personally know someone with a college degree who is struggling financially?<\/div>\n<div class=\"a\">Yes 54%, no 32%, unsure 14%.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"q\">Q15. If you were starting over today, which path would you choose after high school?<\/div>\n<div class=\"a\">Four-year college 26%, trade school\/apprenticeship 25%, start working immediately 14%, start a business 13%, not sure 10%, military 6%.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><!-- FOOTER --><\/p>\n<footer class=\"sw-ti__footer\">\n<div class=\"sw-ti__footer-row\">\n<div class=\"sw-ti__wm\">SimplyWise<span class=\"sub\">Trades &amp; Technology Index<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-ti__acts\"><a class=\"primary\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/simplywise-trades-technology-index-june-2026-press-kit.pdf\">Download Press Kit (PDF)<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/simplywise-trades-technology-index-june-2026-full-survey-results.pdf\">Full Survey Results (PDF)<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"divln\"><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"citelbl\">CITE THIS REPORT<\/div>\n<div class=\"cite\">SimplyWise (2026). The June 2026 SimplyWise Trades &amp; Technology Index. Online survey of 1,140 U.S. adults ages 18 to 29, fielded May 2026 via SurveyMonkey Audience.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"legal\"><span>&copy; 2026 SimplyWise &middot; support@simplywise.com<\/span><span>Non-probability, opt-in sample. Results are directional.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/footer>\n<p><script> (function(){ var links = Array.prototype.slice.call(document.querySelectorAll('.sw-ti .sw-ti__nav a')); if(!links.length) return; var targets = []; links.forEach(function(a){ var h=a.getAttribute('href'); if(h && h.charAt(0)==='#'){ var el=document.getElementById(h.slice(1)); if(el) targets.push({a:a, el:el}); } }); if(!targets.length) return; var ticking = false; function update(){ ticking = false; var cur = targets[0]; targets.forEach(function(t){ if(t.el.getBoundingClientRect().top <= 120){ cur = t; } }); links.forEach(function(x){ x.classList.remove('active'); }); cur.a.classList.add('active'); } function onScroll(){ if(!ticking){ ticking = true; window.requestAnimationFrame(update); } } window.addEventListener('scroll', onScroll, {passive:true}); update(); })(); <\/script><\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&larr; Back to blogJUNE 2026&nbsp;&nbsp;&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;SIMPLYWISE TRADES &amp; TECHNOLOGY INDEX The June 2026 SimplyWise Trades &amp; Technology Index Our 2026 skilled trades survey of how Gen Z sees AI, college, and the future of work. SimplyWise builds software for tradespeople and contractors. The SimplyWise Trades &amp; Technology Index is a skilled trades survey tracking how young [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":6947,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[191],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6940","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-trade-index"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Skilled Trades Survey 2026: How Gen Z Views AI &amp; College<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Our 2026 skilled trades survey of 1,140 Gen Z adults: nearly half say trades feel safer than office jobs in an AI future; most would recommend them.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/skilled-trades-survey-2026\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Skilled Trades Survey 2026: How Gen Z Views AI &amp; 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