Help your graduate make a smart career move backed by data, not desperation.
The conversation you're about to have could change your child's life. Here are the resources that show why pivoting to skilled trades isn't giving up—it's strategic upgrading.
These aren't opinions—they're facts from respected sources that show the real opportunity in skilled trades.
Over 4 in 10 recent college graduates are working in jobs that don't require their degree.
Morgan Bradbury got a $57K welding job before even finishing her certification.
Massive wave of retirements creating unprecedented opportunity in skilled trades.
More than half of four-year college graduates are underemployed within their first year.
Curated articles, videos, and essays to help you understand and support your graduate's decision.
NPR
Comprehensive NPR report on why Gen Z is choosing trades over college. Features real stories including Sy Kirby who started a construction company at 19.
Read →PBS NewsHour
March 2025 video report on the "toolbelt generation." Professional journalism parents will respect.
Watch →CNBC
Features Morgan Bradbury who got a $57K welding job before finishing her certification, and Chase Gallagher who earned $500K in 2024.
Read →Fortune
Business-focused perspective on why trades are becoming the 'smart money' choice.
Read →Newsweek
July 2025 article. Quote: "Electricians out-earn lawyers and plumbers retire at 50 while college grads move back in with mom and dad."
Read →Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Official Fed data showing 41%+ underemployment rate for recent graduates in 2025. Authoritative source parents can't dismiss.
Read →Inside Higher Ed
Coverage of the "Talent Disrupted" report. Key stat: 52% of grads underemployed one year out, 45% still underemployed a decade later.
Read →St. Louis Fed
August 2025 analysis. Key insight: "If you're a college grad and underemployed, you're basically making the same money as a college dropout."
Read →Higher Ed Dive
December 2025 analysis showing the college degree job-finding advantage has shrunk to its smallest gap since records began.
Read →Axios
May 2025 deep dive. Quotes Anthropic CEO warning AI could eliminate "half of all entry-level white-collar jobs."
Read →CNBC
October 2025 report. Stanford researcher notes "physical jobs such as construction workers are so far shielded from AI disruption."
Read →Final Round AI
Detailed breakdown of which jobs are disappearing. Key stat: "Office jobs are disappearing while blue-collar jobs keep growing."
Read →Manpower
March 2025 analysis of 11,000 boomers reaching retirement age daily through 2027. Massive opportunity for young workers.
Read →Washington Post
Visual explanation of the demographic shift. Construction expected to lose 1.249 million workers to retirement.
Read →Protected Income
Industries losing the most workers: Healthcare (2.135M), Manufacturing (1.841M), Construction (1.249M).
Read →NAHB
From the National Association of Home Builders. Point-by-point case for trades.
Read →Midwest Technical Institute
Comprehensive parent guide covering what trade school is, how to talk to your teen, and what to expect.
Read →Mike Rowe
Mike Rowe's foundation offering $1M+ in annual scholarships for trade programs.
Read →Family Handyman
March 2025 interview. Quote: "There's never been a better time to find a good, high-paying career in the trades."
Read →Career School Now
Addresses cost comparison ($30K total vs $127K for 4-year), career stability, income potential.
Read →Starting the conversation is often the hardest part. Here are some ways to begin.
I've been reading about the skilled trades market...
Lead with curiosity, not judgment. Show you've done research and are open to learning.
Can we talk about your career without me judging?
Create a safe space. Your child may have been avoiding this conversation out of fear of disappointing you.
I want to support you - let's look at this together.
Position yourself as an ally, not an obstacle. Your support is the most valuable thing you can offer.
Take the career quiz with your graduate to discover which skilled trades match their interests and abilities.