Social media, in particular, has played a crucial role in showcasing the value and pride in working in the trades. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram let tradespeople share their work, dispel myths and celebrate craftsmanship.
As more young people see trades as a viable, rewarding career path, the perception is shifting. Parents, educators and even policymakers are recognizing skilled trades as an equal alternative to college.
Schools are reinvesting in vocational education, and companies are recruiting young talent directly from high schools. In fact, enrollment in vocational-focused community colleges rose 16% last year. The Toolbelt Generation is driving this change, proving that skilled trades are essential to the nation’s economic future.
Filling the Gaps
As the Toolbelt Generation embraces the trades, the future looks bright for industries long struggling to fill the skills gap. By stepping into these roles, Gen Z-ers are not only finding personal fulfillment, but also helping to strengthen America’s infrastructure.
From building home to maintaining the electrical grid, the trades are vital to the nation’s growth and sustainability.
What Employers Can Do to Support the Toolbelt Generation
To fully harness the potential of the Toolbelt Generation, employers must attract and retain this young talent. Here are some effective strategies:
Provide Training and Mentorship
Gen Z values growth and development. Offering continuous training and sharing institutional knowledge from older generations ensures young workers feel supported and valued
Tyfoom takes the pain and hassle out of training. Rather than attending expensive higher learning institutions to upskill, employees receive daily 1- to 2-minute engaging training videos on mobile devices. Bite-sized chunks of content make it easy for learners to consume new concepts. With Tyfoom, knowledge retention increases from 21% to 95% after 31 days.
The Tyfoom app also helps managers capture institutional knowledge before it’s too late. Many of the 75 million Baby Boomers are looking to retire within the next decade, taking 40 to 60 years of work-related knowledge and experience with them.
Tyfoom has the ability to bridge the gap between generations of workers by effectively preserving institutional knowledge and facilitating the knowledge transfer process.
Tyfoom’s microlearning platform makes it easy to record and share information without overwhelming learners. Quick to film and simple to edit, these training videos can be created and distributed in minutes.
Foster a Positive Work Culture
The Toolbelt Generation values a positive workplace culture and wants to feel part of a team.
According to a MIT Sloan study, toxic workplaces are the number one reason why people resign. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health estimates that toxic work environments cost businesses $300 billion annually in absenteeism, turnover and healthcare expenses – a result of unhealthy levels of stress and burnout.
Employees don’t just want fair pay; they want to feel physically and psychologically safe at work. Fostering a supportive, inclusive and respectful work environment is key to retaining young talent.
Active engagement among team members counteracts the toxicity that can permeate a work environment. Tyfoom makes it easy for your organization to build connection and boost retention through simple, but highly-effective video-based trainings.
Using gamification, social rewards, and competition, Tyfoom inspires adoption and encourages a positive work culture.
Highlight the Impact of the Work
The Toolbelt Generation is drawn to work that feels meaningful. Emphasize how the trades contribute to essential services and infrastructure and show them the tangible impact of their efforts.
When employees feel truly passionate about what they do, they become a driving force for innovation, customer satisfaction and productivity.
Engaged employees are a company’s most valuable advocates, spreading positivity and attracting top talent. As a result, organizations with highly engaged employees enjoy a 41% reduction in absenteeism and 59% less turnover, saving thousands of dollars each year in hiring, training and onboarding costs.
Tyfoom helps organizations boost employee engagement through video-based microlearning and on-demand content. Users can quickly see their progress within the app, view achievements, track past performance, and compare their progress with others, boosting motivation, accountability, and engagement.
Attract and Retain the Toolbelt Generation with Tyfoom
Gen Z’s shift toward the trades reflects a larger cultural change – one where financial stability, meaningful work, and job security outweigh the traditional college pathway.
With apprenticeship programs, cutting-edge technology, and a fresh approach to workplace culture, the skilled trades are becoming the careers of choice for this new generation.
Tyfoom makes it easy for employers to attract and retain the best and brightest of Toolbelt Generation, bridging the trades gap and revitalizing industries essential for a productive and profitable society.
Ready to boost your workforce? Schedule a call to speak with a Tyfoom training consultant today!