The Next Generation of Trade Workers: Where Skill Meets Grit

According to a recent article in NPR, many Gen Z workers are opting out of traditional college and university paths due to the overwhelming debt they incur over their 4-year programs. 

Last year, the Wall Street Journal produced an in-depth article, detailing how Gen Z is “Making Blue Collar Cool,” using social media to showcase their unique skillsets and demonstrating how the trades are a viable career option. 

An article on the ADP Research website notes the share of blue-collar employment for workers aged 20-24 in 2024 is at 18.6%.  They say Gen Z could be the next “toolbelt generation.” 

Putting in the Work 

For Carlos Ceballos, carpenter with NexGen Contracting, joining the construction industry wasn’t his original plan, but his stepdad encouraged him to consider it as a career option.  

What began as a career experiment for Ceballos turned into a passion. It allowed him to build something real and lasting—giving him a strong sense of fulfilment and a stable career.  

Nathaniel Stephens, project engineer. on the other hand, always saw himself in the construction industry. Growing up with family members in the industry, he was inspired to make his mark in a hands-on field.  

He studied concrete industry management at Middle Tennessee State University, where he gained both theoretical and practical knowledge.  

Stephens found that specializing in concrete management gave him a unique skill set in an essential part of the industry, solidifying his place in construction with the foundation of a degree. 

For Andrew McDonald, assistant superintendent, the path was even more unconventional. After serving in the military, he explored several options, including attending trade school. But it was during the pandemic that he finally broke into construction through a veteran friend. 

Gradually, McDonald discovered that the structure and teamwork on the construction site reminded him of his days in the military, which helped him develop an appreciation for the industry. 

Rewarding Careers 

Ask any of these three Gray team members about the rewards of blue-collar work, and they’ll tell you it’s about seeing tangible results.  

“It’s the pride of seeing a building go from dirt to completion,” says Stephens. From his project engineer role, he watches each phase come together, knowing his efforts help shape a physical space that will serve the community for years to come. 

As a carpenter, Ceballos echoes this sentiment. After completing three major buildings in his city, he relishes the simple joy of driving by them and seeing his work.  

“People think construction is all sweat and dirt, but we’re out here because we want to be,” he says. “It’s fun being out here.” 

For McDonald, the most rewarding moments come when the team faces high-pressure situations and pulls through as a cohesive unit. He recalls a time when he and his crew were pouring concrete on elevated decks at 3 a.m., an intense scenario that reminded him of his military experience.  

“It can be chaotic, but I love the work,” he says. “Finding a solution to these unique challenges gives me a huge sense of accomplishment.” 

Evolving Perceptions 

There’s a major societal shift occurring—doing an apprenticeship or attending trade school is being seen as a viable career option for the Gen Z generation of workers. 

Ceballos wants to reiterate that people don’t choose construction due to lack of options or long-term career plans.  

“Some people think you end up in construction because you couldn’t cut it somewhere else,” he says. “But that’s not true. You’re out here because you want to be, and we’re happy to be here.”

Stephens adds an additional perspective, pointing out that while many see construction as just physical labor, it’s a job that requires immense planning, coordination, and technical skill.  

“People often underestimate the complexity of the math involved,” he says. “There’s a lot of logistics and science to construction work. There’s definitely an intellectual aspect to the job.”  

As a project engineer, Stephens navigates budgets, manages teams, and oversees scheduling, all while ensuring safety and communication among teams.  

McDonald, who started in construction as a laborer, feels that public perception is improving but still has a way to go.  

“Blue-collar work has become more visible and essential, but it still lacks the recognition it deserves,” he says. “But I find a lot of value in my role and an appreciation for what construction has given me—a stable career and a home, all without a college degree.” 

Moving the Trades Forward 

Stephens recommends that the next generation of construction and blue-collar workers start small, take on challenging tasks, and ask questions as they learn the tools of their trade.  

“You build off every job,” he says. “Each project teaches new lessons, whether it’s about scheduling, teamwork, or safety, and those lessons stack up over time, creating a solid foundation for a long-term career.” 

Ceballos added that it reminds him of playing a sport—you have to stick with it and put the work in. Dedication and resilience will be two important characteristics to display. 

All three individuals believe in the long-term potential of their industry. For Ceballos, the future is exciting, especially with advancements in tools and materials.  

“They’re replacing old tools with newer models that are sturdier and more lightweight,” he says, “I think these changes will make my work easier and more efficient.” 

Stephens sees technology as a game-changer, particularly as drones and tracking software make it easier to manage large-scale projects.  

“Drones are becoming a big part of future projects, especially for customer updates and capturing real-time information,” he notes. “The integration of technology will continue to elevate the industry and showcase that it is evolving to adapt to mirror modern technology used in other fields.” 

McDonald takes a broader view, thinking about the societal impact of construction projects, especially in communities resistant to change.  

“Construction may be seen by some as archaic,” he says. “But it’s crucial to communities and can be a lucrative and rewarding career option for many people.” 

Building New Narratives 

For Ceballos, Stephens, and McDonald, construction isn’t just a job—it’s a career that has given them financial stability, personal satisfaction, and a sense of pride in their contributions to society.  

While college may be the traditional path to career success, these three individuals offer a compelling alternative, showing that blue-collar fields are more than a last resort.  

These careers offer the chance to create something real, solve complex challenges, and be part of a community built on mutual respect and shared goals. 

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