I'm young-ish. Probably Gen y. I worked part time while doing my first degree. I worked full time while doing my second degree. I have junior staff now doing the same thing.
Simplistic generational generalisations don't acheive anything.
The increases to TAFE costs do have a significant impact on affordability, and increases the welfare trap. It's hardly sensationalist. The wage for an apprentice is very low compared to the cost of living. Add additional education expenses in and some people will be forced to drop out. If they don't have family support, they simply can't afford to keep studying.
I don't want to see a 2 tiered economic system where only those from wealthy families get any form of education past high school. It will simply create more social problems, and more expense in the long term.
I think you backed up what I was saying in your first sentence. You got off your butt and did something. I did say MANY not all of our current generation is lazy. Seems all the toys and gadgets/holidays are a higher priority than education.