Beyond the Bachelor’s: Gen Z finds Chance in Skilled Trades
A growing number of Gen Z students are opting for direct pathways to well-paying careers through vocational training, challenging the customary emphasis on four-year degrees. Twenty-two-year-old Dylan Haigwood exemplifies this trend. He’s already employed as an aircraft mechanic at CVG Airport, earning a salary that surpasses many of his peers who pursued bachelor’s degrees.
Haigwood’s success stems from his recent graduation from Cincinnati State’s aviation maintenance program. The two-year program focuses on practical, hands-on training and culminates in valuable FAA certifications, preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce. He was hired full-time at Airborne Maintenance & Engineering Services just weeks after completing the program.”It’s a great feeling to start a career with this kind of income right out of school,” Haigwood stated, “I feel like it’s setting me up for a secure future.”
Haigwood’s story isn’t unique. A recent report from the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber underscores a critical need for skilled workers in the region, notably in high-demand fields like aviation, construction, and healthcare. This demand is driving increased interest in, and value of, technical education.
Cincinnati State Provost Robbin Hoopes notes the strong financial returns for graduates of their technical programs. “Across all our programs, average earnings exceed $55,000 annually,” she explained. “in aviation maintenance specifically, starting salaries range from $70,000 to $80,000. With overtime - which is common for our graduates - many earn close to $100,000 in their first year.”
Recognizing this shift, Cincinnati Public Schools is proactively expanding access to career and technical education. The district has integrated these courses into every school, exposing high school students to potential careers in areas like construction, public safety, and media arts before they graduate.
This early exposure, coupled with the promise of stable, well-compensated employment, is attracting a new generation to the skilled trades.As Haigwood puts it, “We’re highly skilled technicians who have worked hard for our positions. It’s a truly rewarding career path.”