Recent articles and programs are highlighting a potential shift towards certifications and trade schools as a faster and better path to entrepreneurship, especially for Generation Z. These young adults are expressing frustration with the traditional route of attending college, accumulating debt, and facing an uncertain corporate future. Instead, they are opting to acquire skills and potentially create small businesses. College enrollment has been declining in recent years, with total enrollment dropping by about 10% to around 17 million students in the spring of 2023.
The declining college enrollment trend is being fueled by various factors, including the high cost of education compared to its perceived value, as well as changing job market requirements. Major companies like Google, IBM, and Apple are no longer mandating a bachelor’s degree for certain positions, signaling a shift in the importance of traditional education. Additionally, certifications and trade schools are offering viable alternatives for young people to enter the job market or start their own businesses.
One organization offering an alternative path to success is the Mike Rowe Works Foundation, founded by the host of the TV series Dirty Jobs. The foundation aims to provide individuals with opportunities to pursue a successful trade without accumulating student loan debt. With over 7 million job openings across the country that don’t require a four-year degree, certifications and trade schools are becoming more attractive options for those looking to enter the workforce or start their own businesses.
Certifications and trade school programs offer various benefits, including shorter completion times, which allow students to enter the job market sooner and start earning money faster. These focused programs also mean less time commitment and lower tuition expenses, making them more accessible to a wider range of individuals. Additionally, college dropout rates are high, with over 40% of undergraduates leaving school before completing their degrees, highlighting the challenges and potential drawbacks of pursuing a traditional four-year education.
Small businesses are often the backbone of entrepreneurship in the United States, and certifications and trade schools are seen as a pathway to creating the next generation of small business owners. These programs cater to a diverse range of industries, from solar panel installation to ecommerce agencies to networking technology companies. For Generation Z, the traditional American dream of obtaining a bachelor’s degree and climbing the corporate ladder may no longer be the only path to success. By gaining skills more quickly through certifications and trade schools, young adults can potentially start their own businesses and shape the future of entrepreneurship in the country.
