We have too many young people with degrees — and no skills.
And I say that respectfully. I say that as someone who has walked the graduation aisle, worn the gown, and taken the photos.
But also as someone who has watched a generation slowly lose its grip on the value of skilled work.
Hakuna Artificial Intelligence inombogona kufitter maglass panels ayo pa36-storey building.
You can have ChatGPT. You can have degrees.
But some jobs still require strong hands, sharp eyes, and practical knowledge.
Jobs that don’t go viral — but build the world we live in.
Trades are not for “failures.”
They’re not a plan B.
They are a calling. A craft. An economy on their own.
I know a young man who installs ceilings.
Another one who fits steel structures on skyscrapers.
One who does tiling with a finish so smooth, you’d think it was painted.
These boys are not on TikTok all day.
They are booked. Busy. Paid.
And I’ve seen too many youth sit at home with impressive papers but no income… while the guy who chose bricklaying is building homes for clients in South Africa.
I’ve seen people laugh at their cousin for becoming a plumber — until that cousin started charging USD for house calls and bought a car before them.
Trades are not small jobs. They are global opportunities.
You can migrate as a welder. You can freelance as a carpenter.
You can start a company as a glazier. You can employ others as an electrician.
Dzidzai matrades.
Pick up a skill. Learn to work with your hands.
Even if you’re degreed, add a trade. Let your knowledge be practical. Let your hands match your CV.
Because when the world is falling apart, the one who can fix it will never go hungry.
And while others are waiting for office calls, you’ll be fixing, welding, building, installing, and earning — in silence.
Let’s normalize this:
• Taking your son to become a certified boilermaker.
• Allowing your daughter to train as a tiler or heavy machinery operator.
• Choosing a short course in aluminum fabrication over another unpaid internship.
One day, you’ll thank me.
Because not every future will be found in a necktie and a swivel chair.
Some futures are built in overalls — with dusty shoes and clean hands.