Poll shows Americans value skilled trades, but say they’re overlooked
A recent Harris Poll report highlights a discrepancy between how Americans view skilled trades and how these careers are treated within society and educational systems. Although a vast majority acknowledge the importance of skilled trade professions, many believe these fields remain undervalued and often overshadowed in educational institutions, contributing to a generational perception gap that threatens to exacerbate the current labor shortage crisis in the United States.
The poll, conducted among 2,203 adults nationwide from June 20-22, 2025, reveals that 91 percent of respondents agree skilled trade jobs are just as important as white-collar jobs, with a substantial 63 percent strongly agreeing. Nonetheless, 86 percent assert that skilled trade careers are overlooked in today’s educational system, and 90 percent believe people generally fail to recognize the lucrative potential of these careers. “Skilled trades offer real career potential, but they’re not being talked about enough in schools or by society at large,” emphasized Wendy Salomon from Harris Poll’s Corporate Strategy & Reputation Practice.
Despite their vital role in the economy—encompassing electricians, HVAC technicians, mechanics, and welders—skilled trades face challenges related to image and awareness. A generational divide is evident, where only 38 percent of Gen Z respondents believe skilled trades offer the best job prospects today, in contrast to 59 percent of Baby Boomers. Furthermore, a mere 36 percent of Gen Z strongly agree that skilled trades provide a faster and more affordable avenue to a rewarding career. This data illustrates the pronounced generational gap in perceptions.
While older Americans often view trade jobs as viable and even desirable career paths, younger generations are discouraged by aspects like societal prestige, pressure to attend college, and uncertainties surrounding pay. Additional concerns voiced by Gen Z include worries about automation, job security, and rigid work structures.
The report also highlights that Black Americans are significantly more likely to identify a lack of visible role models as a major impediment to entering the trades, indicating ongoing challenges related to diversity and representation in an industry that some perceive as exclusionary. Despite these obstacles, a stark contrast exists between perception and reality. Technology and healthcare dominate career opportunity perceptions; however, skilled trades still rank among the top five career options across all generations. Notably, Boomers rank them second only to tech, and Gen Z ranks them above law, teaching, and finance careers.
Another striking finding is that a majority of Americans now advocate for high school graduates to pursue vocational or trade school paths rather than traditional four-year college degrees. For Gen Z, only 36 percent would recommend college over trades, but this figure rises steadily with age, with 41 percent of Boomers favoring trade school routes for graduating seniors.
Corporate America is also being urged to take action. The survey highlights that nine in ten Americans hold a more favorable opinion of companies that support skilled trades, and this sentiment spans various age groups, political affiliations, and racial demographics. Respondents suggested that companies should implement hands-on school programs, paid internships, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities. The report emphasized, “Skilled labor shortages are not theoretical—they’re disrupting industries today. Corporate America has a clear mandate. Support the trades not just as a philanthropic gesture, but as a strategic investment.”
The poll suggests that employers who engage in funding scholarships, partnering with schools, or offering training and apprenticeship opportunities can enhance brand loyalty while securing a more stable future workforce. “There’s a myth that the trades are for people who couldn’t succeed elsewhere,” Salomon remarked. “That myth needs to die. These are skilled, in-demand careers that require intelligence, adaptability, and resilience.”
