Hands-on experience and practical training are becoming the new standard in hiring

A growing number of people are rethinking the value of a traditional four-year degree. Between rising tuition and uncertain job outcomes, it is not surprising that many are looking at other options. Skilled trade careers are rising fast as a more practical and rewarding path. These roles often lead to stable jobs, less student debt, and quicker access to meaningful work. For anyone looking at their next step, the conversation around education and experience is starting to sound very different.

Education Advice Is Starting to Change

A recent survey from the American Staffing Association found that 33 percent of U.S. adults would recommend a skilled trade or vocational school to graduating high school seniors. That’s more than those who would suggest college. Among Baby Boomers and Gen X respondents, the percentage jumps even higher. Meanwhile, only 22 percent of Gen Z chose trade school as their top recommendation, showing a gap in perception that may soon shift.

This signals a reevaluation of what education is supposed to accomplish. More people are starting to ask whether traditional college programs truly prepare students for the jobs that are actually in demand. With this momentum building across generations, trade schools are becoming a serious and respected option, not a second choice.

Where Degrees Used to Matter Most

As explained in a recent feature from The Economic Times, a wave of “new-collar” jobs is changing how employers think about credentials. These roles span across marketing, IT, construction, and more. Many offer six-figure salaries with no college degree required. Instead, companies are hiring based on certifications, portfolios, and real-world experience.

Eva Chan from Resume Genius explains that people can succeed by proving their skills through hands-on work, referrals, or training, without a diploma. This aligns directly with the broader movement toward skilled trade careers, where knowledge comes from experience and application rather than lectures and textbooks.

Burnout and Automation Are Breaking Old Models

As noted in this article by the Times of India, more than half of U.S. office workers are considering a move into skilled trades. The reasons are layered. Burnout is high. Over 57 percent of white-collar employees report feeling stressed, and many say their career lacks meaning. Social pressure and financial stability still keep people in their roles, but not without doubts.

One major factor behind the growing interest in skilled trades is automation. Office jobs are increasingly affected by artificial intelligence, especially entry-level roles. More than 60 percent of Gen Z workers feel vulnerable to automation. In contrast, trade roles like plumbing, electrical work, or carpentry tend to be more resistant to AI. They also carry a strong sense of purpose and visible results. This difference is prompting many to ask what kind of work feels worth doing.

With No Degrees, Where Do We Start?

Skill is gaining ground across the job market. That part is clear. But when a degree is no longer the first requirement, the next step can feel uncertain. Without a traditional roadmap, knowing where to begin matters more than ever.

One option is focused training. Short courses, certifications, or hands-on learning through trade programs can create fast access to real roles. Building a portfolio or gathering referrals from past work also helps show what someone can do, even without a diploma. That kind of proof carries weight in today’s hiring process.

It also helps to have a clear view of what industries are hiring and where practical skills are in demand. Knowing how to match that demand can move things forward faster. With the right support, a person’s experience becomes more than a resume line it becomes their next opportunity.

Where Skill Leads, Opportunity Follows

There is a clear path forward for those who are ready to bet on their ability, not just their degree. Skilled trade careers continue to gain ground with each passing year. From hands-on trades to tech-driven roles that focus on results, the job market is rewarding people who bring real capability to the table. With staffing expertise rooted in real demand, the future belongs to those who bring the skills to match it.

Looking for your next job opportunity? Explore rewarding careers today with NEXTAFF. Find the perfect fit for your skills and aspirations with our local staffing agency. Learn More About Candidate Services today!