Almost half of young people see becoming a tradesperson as a quicker way to earn £100k than going to university, a study has revealed.
A poll of 2,000 adults under 28 revealed just 19 per cent think opting for university instead of an apprenticeship was a good idea.
And 34 per cent of those polled are keen to avoid student debt, while 40 per cent think an apprenticeship is a better option.
It emerged 53 per cent believe they will be able to buy a home more quickly if they become a tradie than going to university, with 32 per cent keen to start earning soon.
Sarah Hartland from Draper Tools [www.drapertools.com/dxpulse], which commissioned the research, said: “It’s fascinating to understand young people’s views on going into the trade.
“With such high university fees and interest rates, our research shows there is a growing number of young people looking at apprenticeships as the best way forward for them.
“While everyone should follow the career path that’s right for them, we know that in there are critical skills shortages in many trades, so this current interest may turn out to be a real positive for the future of the UK’s construction sector.”
The study also found 34 per cent have considered moving industries to become a tradesperson – 46 per cent of men and 28 per cent of women.
Meanwhile, one in four would rather work in a hands-on role than be sat at a desk, with 41 per cent preferring to be active while work, research from OnePoll.com found.
And 35 per cent like to learn practical skills, 33 per cent believe there’s a better work-life balance and 26 per cent enjoy a sense of pride in creating or fixing something.
Not only that, but 61 per cent think working in a trade is a “cool job” – with 55 per cent saying their perception of manual careers is more positive than five years ago.
While 55 per cent believe working within one is better for personal mental health than working from a desk – with 26 per cent also thinking tradespeople have more fun than office workers.
Beyond the financial benefits and fun, worries about AI was another a factor for young people, with 33 per cent saying recent advances in AI have made them consider a career in the trade.
The most common tradie jobs people would join if they were to move industries are painting and decorating (32 per cent), electrical (20 per cent) and landscaping (20 per cent).
It also emerged just 14 per cent of those polled own their home, with 39 per cent living with their parents.
Worryingly, 29 per cent of university students would change their decision to join higher education if they could go back in time.
Sarah Hartland, of Draper Tools, added: "Young people have an increasingly positive perception of working in a trade.
“In an era of screen fatigue and rising burnout, it’s easy to understand the growing appeal of hands-on roles that potentially offer a different work-life balance.
“With the right tools and support, joining a trade can be a very fulfilling and rewarding career path, so we’re glad to see the awareness of this growing.”
