‘I love telling people that I’m a mechanic’: This Gen Z woman ditched her law aspirations for blue-collar work—and now outearns her friends

Gen Z is increasingly drawn to blue-collar work, with nearly half learning or considering skilled trades, according to Thumbtack’s report. The rise of AI has made many young people more interested in trades, and four in five believe AI will eliminate traditional entry-level jobs. Despite this, three in four Gen Zers think the trades could be the smartest career choice for their generation.

Victoria Madsen, a 25-year-old lift mechanic at Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah, is a testament to this trend. Initially planning to become a lawyer, Madsen took a seasonal job as a mechanic after college, eventually dropping out of school to pursue the higher-paying, more stable career. She now enjoys the financial security and sense of adulthood that her trade job provides.

Madsen’s decision to become a mechanic was not always clear. When offered the job, she expressed uncertainty about her lack of mechanical skills. However, she was assured of on-the-job training and was offered a higher hourly wage than her previous position. The free ski pass and sense of belonging within her all-male crew further encouraged her to stick with the job.

While women now hold more U.S. payroll jobs than men for the first time in history, the gender pay gap persists. Madsen’s experience highlights the financial benefits of blue-collar work for young people, particularly women. She has seen more women join the crew and notes that this trend is encouraging more female mechanics at industry conferences.

Madsen’s success has also given her the opportunity to influence others. She recently staffed Sundance’s booth at a career fair at Utah Valley University, encouraging prospective students to consider trades over traditional college paths. Despite concerns about her financial future, Madsen is content with her career choice and recognizes the abundance of mechanic jobs available. She also notes that she makes more money than most of her friends, often covering drinks for them during outings.