Young, Skilled and Leaving: Why Gen Z Tradespeople Aren’t Sticking Around
Young, Skilled and Leaving: Why Gen Z Tradespeople Aren’t Sticking Around
Summary
They’re turning up with skills. They’re trained in BIM. They’re sharp, fast, and switched on. But they’re leaving.
This blog looks at why so many Gen Z tradespeople, across both the UK and US, aren’t staying in the industry for long. And more importantly, what construction employers can do to keep them.
They Show Up Ready, But They Don’t Stay
We’re finally seeing a new generation come through the trades. But for all the effort getting them in, the industry’s struggling to keep them.
Gen Z tradespeople (born 1997–2012) bring energy, digital fluency, and a strong work ethic but they’re not willing to put up with outdated site culture, poor communication, or being treated like they’re lucky to be there.
And they’re walking away, fast.
A recent study by The Birmingham Group shows Gen Z wants four things: purpose, flexibility, growth, and leadership they can respect. If your business isn’t offering that, someone else will.
Why They’re Leaving: It’s Not Just About Pay
Let’s be fair, we know Gen Z isn’t always easy. They don’t take “just do as I say” the way previous generations did. They question things.
They push back. Some call it impatience but it’s more than that.
They’re better educated. They’ve come through college or trade school with a broader skillset than most had at 18. And if they’re not being tested from day one, they’re out.
They don’t want to wait five years to be taken seriously. They want to contribute now and if you don’t give them the space to, they’ll find someone else who will.
Here’s what we hear every week from Gen Z candidates:
- “No one explained the job to me properly.”
- “I didn’t feel safe bringing up an issue.”
- “I want to build something real, not just collect a paycheck.”
Yes, wages matter. But so does:
- Feeling included.
- Having a voice.
- Seeing a future.
Sites that run on “just shut up and get on with it” don’t last long with this generation.
Tech Matters More Than You Think
Gen Z is the first generation to grow up fully digital. They expect tablets on site, BIM on-screen, and real-time updates, not someone handing them crumpled drawings from the glovebox.
If your company is still running like it’s 2005, they’ll be out the door before the scaffold’s up.
Want to futureproof your workforce? Invest in tech. Even better, let them lead it.
Check out How BIM is Changing Construction for what that looks like in practice.
They Want Growth, Not a Dead-End Day Rate
Too many young trades come in full of ambition, only to get stuck doing the same task, on the same day rate, year after year.
If you don’t show them how they can progress, they’ll assume they can’t.
Want to keep them?
- Lay out career tracks.
- Offer training.
- Talk about leadership from day one.
It’s not about handing out titles, it’s about showing there’s somewhere to go.
Culture Still Makes or Breaks It
Forget beanbags and pizza Fridays. Gen Z wants respect. Fairness. A site that doesn’t tolerate bullying, discrimination, or being shouted at for asking a question.
They’ll stay loyal to companies that show empathy and lead with clarity.
They’ll walk from the ones that don’t.
Final Take: Hire Young. But Build for Long-Term.
Gen Z wants to work hard. They want to build something real. They want leaders who’ll invest in them, not just squeeze the most out of them.
If you’re serious about solving your workforce shortage, don’t just recruit Gen Z.
Retain them.
Want help hiring and keeping the next generation of trades?
We work with construction firms that want more than quick hires, they want teams that grow with them.
Take the next step
If you are a business looking to for your next hire, a candidate looking for a new opportunity or just want industry information, get in touch.
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