‘Skills nobody can take’: Meet a 20-year-old with a 4.5 GPA who skipped college for technical school to land an ‘AI-proof’ career

AI is rapidly infiltrating white-collar sectors, prompting more young adults to seek careers that are less susceptible to automation. Gen Z college graduates are gravitating towards retail and food service as AI claims entry-level positions in other fields. Alejandro Rodriguez, a 20-year-old Porsche apprentice technician, argues that college is not the sole route to a dignified, satisfying career, especially one that is less vulnerable to AI takeover.

Rodriguez, who recently graduated from Universal Technical Institute, told Fortune that despite his impressive academic record, he opted to follow his passion for cars instead of pursuing a four-year degree. His academic excellence during high school and time spent in the gifted and talented program were enough to secure him a spot at the institute.

However, his school administration was initially resistant to his desire to bypass college altogether. Rodriguez faced pushback from those who deemed college an expectation given his academic performance. They attempted to steer him towards community college rather than a technical school. Despite their objections, he persisted and was ultimately granted his request.

Rodriguez acknowledges that his educational journey was not equipped to prepare him for blue-collar work. He missed out on practical experiences such as shop classes and woodwork during his schooling. He appreciates the gradual shift towards valuing blue-collar professions, but notes that AI has expedited this change. Rodriguez believes AI is not expected to replace his job, as it is difficult to automate roles requiring human interaction and technical expertise.

He emphasizes the importance of a secure career path that does not involve student debt, a concern echoed by many of his peers. Census data indicates that hiring for Gen Z-aged workers in industries susceptible to AI, such as software and information technology, has declined, while hiring in less exposed fields remains stable. Those who are shut out of these roles often turn to lower-paying jobs in retail or food service.

Additionally, the average Gen Z graduate carries $22,948 in student loan debt, a burden many are eager to avoid. Rodriguez credits his supportive parents for allowing him to explore this alternative career path. He shadowed a family member who worked as a Mercedes technician, eventually transitioning into the Porsche PTAP program.

He attributes his success to his unwavering dedication and adherence to his goals. He believes his lucrative career is a result of his chosen path and personal drive. Rodriguez advises young people to continually invest in themselves as the skills they acquire are difficult to steal.