Skilled Trades Career Path 2026: Why Gen Z Is Choosing Trades Over College

60% of Gen Z plan to enter the skilled trades in 2026. Wind turbine tech is the #1 fastest-growing US job (+50%, BLS). Electricians earn $62,350 median — with $240K+ specialist work in AI data centers. 500,000 craft positions open. Real BLS data + the 5-step trade career path.