Competitors like online providers, trade schools, and large public universities have diversified their offerings and adopted more modern approaches to match the needs of new generations of learners (Nadworny, 2025). Perceptions of what constitutes “successful” post-secondary education has led to growing enrollment in trade schools, and it’s only expected to continue over the next decade. Enrollments in trade schools are projected to continue significant growth over the next five years, increasing 6.6% per year from 2025 to 2030 (EdTech Chronicle, 2025). 

Over the past eight years, trade school enrollments among members of Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012), increased a staggering 1,421%. Gen Z’ers are also more likely to use alternative providers, over traditional trade school programs.

Trade schools serve as a pragmatic response to real economic needs. According to a report from Validated Insights, analysts project that revenue from Trade Schools will grow at a 5-7% CAGR through 2030 (Validated Insights, 2024).