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Mike Rowe, renowned for hosting “Dirty Jobs” and leading the MikeRoweWorks Foundation, has raised concerns about a growing issue in the U.S. labor market: the increasing number of able-bodied men of working age who are neither employed nor actively seeking employment.
In a recent interview, Rowe mentioned this trend as a concerning alarm, noting that such a phenomenon is unprecedented during peacetime. He referenced economist Nicholas Eberstadt’s research, which indicates that over 7 million men have exited the labor force entirely.
Rowe attributes part of this problem to societal pressures that prioritize traditional four-year college degrees over vocational training. He argues that this emphasis has led many to overlook the value of skilled trades, resulting in numerous unfilled positions in sectors like manufacturing and automotive. Compounding the issue is the substantial student loan debt burden, which Rowe suggests is a consequence of steering individuals toward expensive educational paths that may not align with current job market demands.
Supporting Rowe’s observations, a study from the Center for Immigration Studies reveals that the proportion of U.S.-born men aged 16 to 64 not participating in the labor force has nearly doubled since 1960, rising from 11.3% to 22.1% in 2024. This decline in workforce participation is particularly evident in industries requiring hands-on technical skills, where employers struggle to fill roles due to a shortage of qualified candidates.
Despite these challenges, Rowe notes a positive shift among younger generations, particularly Gen Z, who are increasingly showing interest in trade careers such as plumbing, welding, and electrical work. He views this trend as a hopeful sign that perceptions about vocational education are evolving, potentially leading to a more balanced approach to career preparation that includes both college degrees and skilled trades.
To address the labor force dropout issue, Rowe advocates for a cultural reevaluation of work and education. He emphasizes the need to recognize and promote the value of skilled trades, not only as viable career paths but as essential components of the economy. By shifting societal attitudes and encouraging vocational training, Rowe believes the U.S. can bridge the skills gap and reintegrate a significant portion of the population into the workforce.
Mike Rowe: Gen Z is abandoning college and reinvigorating the skilled trades
“$1.7 trillion in student loans.”
“They’re realizing that starting a career $300,000 in the hole—you’re not going to get out of the hole, maybe ever.”
“We told a whole generation of people that they… pic.twitter.com/9df0NSqxBn
— Holden Culotta (@Holden_Culotta) May 7, 2025
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