Nearly 4 million new manufacturing jobs are coming to America as boomers retire—but it's the one trade job Gen Z doesn't want

Factory worker on assembly line. (Credit: Vithun Khamsong / Getty Images)

• America’s manufacturing industry is expected to add 3.8 million new jobs by 2033, but Gen Z won’t be rushing to hand in their applications. The young workers are ditching corporate careers and turning to trade work like carpentry in their droves. However, they still aren’t thrilled by the idea of working factory floors for rock-bottom salaries. President Trump’s immigration policies won’t help the problem.

Gen Zers are steadily abandoning the college-to-corporate pipeline, opting for trade school and blue-collar jobs instead. They’re suiting up as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters for six-figure salaries—but there’s one thriving industry they’re still turning their nose up at.