Amid the growing use of artificial intelligence, youth interest is shifting towards professions that are difficult to automate. Demand is rising for specialists in fields such as mechanics, plumbing, electrical work, and welding. This is why some young people prefer to acquire practical skills instead of pursuing a long university education, in order to start earning sooner and ensure their relevance in the future labor market.
The story of Victoria Madison, a 25-year-old resident of America, illustrates this trend. Initially, she dreamed of becoming a lawyer and was studying English at university, planning further legal studies. However, a chance job drastically changed the trajectory of her life.
Victoria has been working as a mechanic at the Sundance Mountain Resort ski resort in Utah for about five years. She started there during her third year of university as a seasonal employee. After the ski season ended, the resort offered her a mechanic position during the off-season.
Initially, Victoria hesitated to accept the position because she had no experience in mechanical work; she admitted that she didn't even know how to change the oil in her car. Nevertheless, the resort promised to provide her with the necessary training while on the job.
At this job, she was paid $3 per hour more than in her previous role, and she was also provided with a free ski pass. Victoria highly valued this benefit, as she herself used to ski at this location when she was a child.
Gradually, Victoria realized that her income exceeded her initial expectations. As a result, she decided to drop out of university and made mechanical work her main profession. This job helped her achieve financial independence at an early age: she was able to rent her own apartment and buy a new car.
Victoria takes pride in her work and happily tells people that she is a mechanic.
Victoria's story emerged at a time when American youth were paying close attention to skilled trades. According to a Thumb Tack report, about half of Americans aged 16 to 30 are either studying a trade or seriously considering it as a career.
In this survey, 30 percent of young people noted that the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) increased their interest in manual professions. More than 80 percent of respondents believed that building a stable career had become more difficult than before.
Initially, Victoria was the only woman on her team, which was predominantly male. However, according to her, her colleagues provided her with significant support and taught her the job. Now, more women are appearing in this industry.
Victoria admits that she does not yet know if she will be able to buy a house or cover the costs of raising children in the future. Nevertheless, she is satisfied with her current income level and claims that she earns more than most of her peers. This is why, when friends go out somewhere, she often offers to pay for the first drink herself.