Written by volunteer Asher Bernick-Roehr; photos by Cyril Desmond
Growing up in a family of doctors and lawyers, Bri always thought she was supposed to take the same path. But after going the college route, she realized that what really made her happy was working with her hands.
“I went to college. I’ve done five years of college,” Bri said. “But I was a roller coaster mechanic right out of high school. I just knew it came easy to me.”
Now, as a member of Oregon Tradeswomen, Bri is thriving in a field she once didn’t see as an option. Her decision to trust her gut and step into a hands-on career is part of a larger generational movement — one where young people are choosing the trades over the uncertainty and debt of a traditional college path.
On a recent build day at Myrtlewood Way in Gresham, Bri joined other volunteers from Oregon Tradeswomen and Constructing Hope. Both organizations are dedicated to helping individuals find purpose and jobs through vocational training.
This community build event, sponsored by Danner Boots, highlighted how stepping onto a Habitat site offers more than just the satisfaction of building a home; it’s a chance to experience firsthand what it’s like to build a future with your hands. For some, it can be a “taste of the trades,” and the introduction to a rewarding career path.
Rise of the “Toolbelt Generation”
The volunteers from Oregon Tradeswomen and Constructing Hope were part of what’s been dubbed the “Toolbelt Generation” — a rising cohort of Gen Z workers choosing vocational skills over the debt and uncertainty of a traditional four-year college degree.
The trades are flourishing among those under the age of 25, driven by a shortage of skilled workers and a generational weariness with white-collar career ambiguity.
The numbers confirm the trend. According to the latest data from the National Student Clearinghouse, enrollment in construction trade programs has seen substantial growth for the third consecutive year. Since 2020, enrollment at trade-focused institutions has climbed nearly 20%. The fields with some of the biggest increases in spring 2025 included masonry, HVAC maintenance, and plumbing services.
Paychecks with Purpose
For those new to the workforce, the financial incentive is immediate. As volunteer Ella noted about the apprenticeship model, “Right away… you’re walking home with $26 an hour. And so much less debt. No debt.”
The data backs her confidence: the median annual pay for new construction hires is $48,089, which has surpassed the starting wages earned by new hires in professional services, at $39,520, for the fourth consecutive year. That’s according to a 2024 article in the Wall Street Journal.
Beyond the paycheck, the trades offer a vital structure for stability. CJ, a recent graduate of Constructing Hope, emphasized the clarity and discipline the work provided. “I’m more awake now,” he said. “That was the main part of choosing this work.”
Opening Doors to Opportunity
Organizations like Oregon Tradeswomen and Constructing Hope play a crucial role in providing clear pathways into a job market that is hungry for talent but often lacks accessible entry points. They also provide opportunities to experience a variety of trades, which extend far beyond the typical scope of electrical or plumbing.
The impact of volunteering also extends to those in white-collar roles. For Andy Roberts, a business manager and Habitat Ambassador Council member, the physical labor offers a vital sense of perspective. “I find a lot more value here sometimes than I do at my 40-hour-a-week job,” Andy said. “The physical aspect. There’s a direct impact here.”
And as an added bonus, the skills he’s learned immediately pay dividends in daily life. “I own my own home, and there are plenty of things that I know how to do because I’ve been here,” Andy noted. “Now I don’t have to hire a contractor for certain things.”
Ultimately, the shared commitment of all generations on site demonstrates a powerful truth: when we work together, we are not just building houses — we are building purposeful lives for our volunteers while actively contributing to the foundation of our community. We are proud to build futures on and off the job site.
Want to sponsor your own Team Builder or group volunteer opportunity?
Click here to learn more, or contact Tor Ostrom, Senior Business Engagement Officer tor.ostrom@habitatportlandregion.org | 503-287-9529
