DeKalb County is Buckling Up for the Toolbelt Generation
While terms like Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z describe generations, a new name is emerging as people see jobs in the current economy differently. The “Toolbelt Generation” refers to those choosing trade schools, vocational training, and career certification programs over traditional four-year colleges. Few places in the country better represent this evolving dynamic than DeKalb County.
The Rising Cost of a College Education is Driving this Trend
The high cost of college tuition is a primary driver of this trend. According to the Education Data Initiative, the cost of college has more than doubled in the 21st century, now averaging $38,270 per student per year, including books, supplies, and daily living expenses. Private universities are even more expensive, and this does not include room and board. Graduates often face unmanageable debt as they start their careers. In contrast, trade schools offer shorter programs at a fraction of the cost, allowing students to enter the workforce faster and with minimal or no debt.
Trade school programs, ranging from six months to two years, enable students to quickly enter the workforce. By the time their peers graduate from college, trade school graduates may already have several years of work experience and be well-established in their careers.
DeKalb County is MADE for this Changing Educational Dynamic
DeKalb County is uniquely positioned to prepare Toolbelt Generation workers for rewarding careers. One workforce initiative is Decide DeKalb’s “MADE in DeKalb Initiative”, which strengthens the talent pipeline within advanced manufacturing and logistics by connecting students, teachers, and parents to industry leaders and their sponsored training programs.
Randi Mason, Decide DeKalb’s Vice President of Economic Development, explains “MADE In DeKalb is dedicated to equipping our students with the skills they need for exciting careers by establishing a robust career pipeline, ensuring that students are ready for careers and companies in DeKalb County have access to a talented pool of individuals ready to contribute to their success.”
MADE in DeKalb, an abbreviation for Manufacturing, Automation, and Distribution Emerging in DeKalb, includes a one-year Educator Fellowship for middle and high school educators. This fellowship, supported by participating companies and WorkSource DeKalb, prepares educators to teach students about how to succeed in advanced manufacturing and logistics industries. The program takes teachers to manufacturing and logistics facilities around DeKalb, even gets them to try out the work. This way, the teachers can better explain this career path to students and incorporate the lessons into high school curriculum.
Warren Technical School offers career, job readiness, and life skills instruction for DeKalb high school students with special needs. Students gain skills directly in the workplace through Work-Based Learning internships.
DeKalb is also served by 13 higher education institutions and is home to Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC). GPTC has 2 DeKalb campuses, 2 training centers, including the Regional Transportation Training Center, and the Decatur Career Academy. GPTC has a 99% job placement rate and is one of Georgia’s top workforce training institutions.
The Changing Realities of the Job Market is a Major Consideration
Uncertainty in the job market also contributes to the rise of the Toolbelt Generation. While a college degree was once seen as a ticket to a stable career, this is no longer guaranteed. Many graduates face debt and struggle to find work in their fields. In contrast, trade schools provide practical, hands-on training for specific careers in high demand jobs, such as plumbing, electrical work, HVAC, and welding. These careers offer solid job prospects, good salaries, and entrepreneurship opportunities. They are also less vulnerable to the uncertainties posed by artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
DeKalb Has Ample Toolbelt Generation Employment Opportunities
DeKalb County hosts hundreds of companies and businesses seeking workers for in-demand trades. Strategically situated geographically, DeKalb is home to large manufacturing centers and numerous supply chain companies. Randi notes, “DeKalb County has over 500 manufacturers that offer rewarding and high-paying careers to nearly 13,000 people.” The Georgia Department of Labor reports that DeKalb is also home to 468 transportation and warehouse facilities employing over 15,000 workers.
Nationwide, there’s increasing demand for skilled tradespeople. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects significant job growth for many skilled trades in the next decade. For example, the demand for electricians is expected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This demand ensures job security and often leads to higher wages as employers compete for skilled workers.
Hands-On Work Has Broad Appeal for Those Not Afraid to Get Their Hands Dirty
For many, the appeal of trade school lies in the work itself. Not everyone is suited for a desk job or traditional academic path. Trade schools offer training for careers involving hands-on work, solving practical problems, and seeing tangible results. This can be incredibly rewarding for those who prefer a more hands-on approach.
The Toolbelt Generation is redefining what it means to pursue a successful and fulfilling career. By choosing trade schools over traditional colleges, people are making pragmatic decisions based on financial realities, job market trends and personal preferences. This shift is not just a response to rising college costs or a challenging job market; it’s a broader recognition of the value of skilled trades and the diverse opportunities they offer.
Watch Decide DeKalb’s Video About The Toolbelt Generation
Decide DeKalb can help
If you’re interested in the MADE in DeKalb program or other workforce development opportunities, please reach out to Decide DeKalb.
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