Daniel Lubetzky asserts that universities have neglected to cultivate critical thinking and a builders mindset in Gen Z. He encourages young people to explore skilled trade careers, which offer significant earning potential, particularly as AI replaces many entry-level positions. Vocational training for positions such as carpenters and mechanics could provide accessible paths to lucrative careers. The skilled trade sector remains vibrant with a high demand for jobs amid growing data center needs, despite facing challenges like seasonality and safety hazards.
Billionaire Daniel Lubetzky believes universities have 'failed' society by failing to teach Gen Z how to think critically and have a 'builders mindset.' In an era where AI is replacing entry-level jobs, young people should consider seeking skilled trade jobs, the Shark Tank star tells Fortune: it's a 'huge field with huge opportunities that pays really, really well.'
Lubetzky is on the money: While jobs like software engineer or graphic designer may be harder to come by in the coming years thanks to AI job replacements, fields in the skilled trade space are thriving in part off an increased demand for data centers.
Despite making a name for himself in entrepreneurship by selling his snack company KIND to Mars in 2020 for $5 billion, Lubetzky says young people could make a killing going down the skilled trade route. 'Vocational training and learning how to be a carpenter or a mechanic or any of those jobs is a huge field with huge opportunities that pays really, really well,' he adds.
The U.S. construction industry alone had 245,000 job openings in May 2025, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The manufacturing sector had over 414,000 jobs.
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