Archive for June 2025
Gen Z Is Ditching the 4-Year Degree in 2026: Why Trade Jobs Are Winning
Quick answer: Gen Z is not abandoning college in 2026. Spring 2026 data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center shows total undergraduate enrollment up 1.3 percent and public four year enrollment up 1.5 percent, while high-vocational public two year colleges grew 2.8 percent, slower than the prior two years. Trades employers are competing with…
Read MoreClimbing the Management Ladder in the Trades: Proven Steps for 2026
2026 Update: In 2026, the median income for skilled trades supervisors is $78,400 per year, up 22% from 2022. Project managers with trade backgrounds earn an average of $95,000+ annually. The career path from journeyman to foreman now takes an average of 5-7 years in most trades, with accelerated paths available for high performers. Employers…
Read MoreBuy, Sell, or Scale a Blue Collar Business in 2026: What You Need to Know
When it comes to running a business in the trades, every decision you make is strategic – especially the big ones. Whether you’re looking to grow your business through acquisition or preparing for a future exit, it pays to have a team who knows the industry and puts your goals first. That’s where the Blue…
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Why Hiring a Blue Collar Professional Recruiter Saves Your Business Money in 2026
2026 Update: A 2026 industry survey found that companies using professional blue collar recruiting firms reduce their average time-to-hire from 67 days to 21 days. The average cost-per-hire through a specialized recruiter is 31% lower than DIY hiring when total costs are factored in, including manager time, bad hires, and productivity loss.
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