3 Ways Upskilling Can Improve the Employability of Blue Collar Workers

The blue-collar job industry has traditionally incorporated the value of physical labour, perseverance and hard work – but times have changed drastically. Thanks to the use of advanced automation and other technology, blue-collar job employees have to upgrade themselves as much as their white-collar counterparts to stay ahead of the competitive industry. Upskilling programmes help such blue-collar employees advance themselves in a world that is moving towards automated cleaning machines and self-driving vehicles, which was once feared to wipe out employment. Instead, it has simply changed the way blue-collar industries work today. Here’s how constant upskilling will help your career:

Keeping up with the advancing technological world

Modern technology such as Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence are beginning to develop cutting-edge software and product, which leaves the labour-intensive blue-collar job segment at risk. Even though automation and robotics play a huge role in today’s world, humans are the ones operating and maintaining them. When computers were first invented, employees feared that they would take away people’s jobs – and see what the world has come to today. Software engineers and developers are the ones that develop and maintain industrial robotics, whereas blue-collar employees report, oversee and handle technology tools. Automation tasks are the need of the hour, but that doesn’t equate to the dismissal of human work. On the other hand, constantly brushing up our training meets the skill gap in every industry. Hence, it is time that people doing blue-collar jobs also upskill their understanding of Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, etc.

Helps maintain your soft skills and specialisation

Blue-collar jobs are generally misunderstood to be flat, whereas there is always something new to learn every single day. Attending upskilling and training workshops prepare you for the changing industry and help you choose a specialisation in your choice of industry. Jobs belonging to this sector generally belong to the beauty, retail, food service, product delivery, data entry and sales sectors. The need for blue-collar employees has sharply increased. That demand combined with severe skill shortages leads to potential revenue loss. As per an earlier Talent Shortage Shortage Survey, it was found skilled trade workers such as bricklayers, electricians, welders and plumbers are under shortage due to lack of information and skills.

Several organisations have stepped up to upskill their blue-collar workforce as per customer requirements, market shifts and latest technologies. For example, Ola, Swiggy and Urban Clap hold basic training classes so that they can use the mobile application and render better-quality service even in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. These efforts make sure that the employees have a smooth transition to digitalisation and their new roles as they appreciate the need for upskilling.

Although some companies might believe upskilling to be a failed investment, they would be rewarded with industry-specific employees with competent skill sets including critical thinking and communication. Today, companies use comprehensible modules that comprise audio and video in the local language to familiarise the workforce with the basic information. Such modules are responsive to the employees’ educational qualifications, competency levels, strengths and weaknesses. And, it lets you easily upskill without the need of sitting through impractical lessons.

Improves networking skills

Blue-collar job employees usually live in community-based groups, which keeps them motivated. Attending upskilling workshops doesn’t just streamline the employee’s thought process but also helps them decide the future course of their career. Moreover, the company of potential employers, trainees and co-workers leads to on-point networking skills that would give a new edge to your career. Training workshops focus on upskilling blue-collar job employees to handle issues such as manpower management, skill development and employment issues across industries.

Also, such workshops give rise to a healthy exchange of ideas between the blue-collar and white-collar segments without inhibitions. Peer-to-peer learning is encouraged, where employees can learn from each other and walk towards success as a community.