DXPULSE Launch Lifts the Lid on Gen Z perceptions of the trade
10th Mar 2026
A new study by Draper Tools is making headlines this week - lifting the lid on Gen Z's perceptions of a career in the trade.
With university debts rising and concerns around graduate jobs, apprenticeships and careers in the trade are increasingly being seen as the way forward by young people according to new research by Draper Tools.
The survey of 2,000 adults under 28 years of age found that almost half of young people see becoming a tradesperson as a quicker way to earn £100k than going to university.
And 53% see such a move paying off, quite literally, believing they will buy a home quicker if they become a tradie than going to university.
Just 15% think higher education will help them get on the property ladder quicker than doing an apprenticeship.
It also emerged 34% have considered moving industries to become a tradesperson – 46% of men and 28% of women.
A Career with Broad Appeal
For those in the poll who had attended university, 29% said they would change their decision to join higher education if they could go back in time.
With the main reasons for choosing a trade over university are higher earning potential (35%), avoiding student debt (34%) and an ability to start earning sooner (32%).
While one in four would rather work in a hands-on role than be sat at a desk, with 41% preferring to be active while work, research from OnePoll.com found.
And it’s not just about money – 35% like to learn practical skills, 33% believe there’s a better work-life balance and 26% enjoy a sense of pride in creating or fixing something.
Worries about AI are another a factor for young people, with a third saying recent advances in AI have made them consider a career in the trade.
Changing Perceptions of the Trade
It also emerged 61% think working in a trade is a “cool job” – with 55% saying their perception of being a tradesperson is more positive than five years ago. A third of young people also felt that working in a trade is something to be proud of.
Social media influencers and TV shows were cited as one of the reasons behind the increased appeal of working in the trade. 55% believe working within a trade is better for personal mental health than working from a desk. And just over a quarter think tradespeople have more fun on the job than office workers.
The most common trades people would join if they were to move industries are painting and decorating (32%), electrical (20%) and landscaping (20%).
Support for the Next Generation
The research was commissioned by Draper Tools as part of the launch of DXPulse, a new brushless 12V cordless power range, designed to appeal to the new generation of apprentices and trades. Sarah Hartland, Head of Marketing, commented:
“The trade industry is in the midst of a generational shift, with interest in apprenticeships rising and Gen Z starting to favour hands-on careers over traditional university debt. As part of developing DXPulse, wanted to understand young people’s motivations and find out what the next generation of tradespeople really think.”
Critical skills shortage across many trades have been widely reported on and it seems this news hasn’t passed young people by, with a third of those polled saying the country needs more skilled tradespeople.
Sarah Hartland added: “This current interest from young people could turn out to be very significant for the future of the UK construction sector, so we feel it’s important to provide the right support for them. Just over a quarter of young people told us there was a real need for good quality power tools that were also affordable – with DXPulse, we’re aiming to meet that need.”
A Range Built on New Insights
DXPulse is a 12V cordless range of 7 brushless motor power tools designed to be light, compact and affordably priced, delivering more than enough power for the majority of the daily tasks a young tradesperson encounters - from first fix to finishing work. The range runs on a single Lithium-ion battery system, providing versatility that packs a punch. Aiming to challenge the old narrative that power must come at an exclusionary cost, the DX Pulse range offer excellent value to the new generation who want financial freedom, efficient portability and smart technology.
See the full range: https://www.drapertools.com/dxpulse
