What Are Blue Collars? Best Examples Of Blue Collar Jobs
by Soumava Goswami Job & Career 14 August 2023
Blue Collars are a group of individuals belonging to a particular part of society’s workforce. In general, people in the mass working class are classified as blue collars. Furthermore, these people work in those jobs that require manual labor, and they get paid by the hour or for a piece of work they perform. To find out what are blue collars, read on through to the end of the article.
In this article, you will learn some general details about blue collars, who are eligible to be called blue collars, and what their qualifications are. Then, we will discuss a few considerations that workers need to understand regarding the term “blue collars.” Finally, we will also provide you with some of the best job examples that come within the category of blue collars.
What Are Blue Collars?
The term “blue collars” had its origin in the 1920s because of the darker collar clothing used by the workers to hide the dirt in their attire. Workers involved in manual labor in construction, maintenance, manufacturing, mining, etc., are collectively called blue collars.
According to Indeed.com, “Blue-collar is a stereotype that refers to occupations involving physical labor or a skilled trade. While white-collar employees typically work in an office setting, blue-collar employees work in construction, manufacturing, mining, maintenance or other physically demanding roles.”
In earlier times, people working in those jobs were regarded as less educated, having low skills, and living in a lower-class background. However, with increasing levels of education and changing social perceptions, people are realizing that these jobs require top-end skills for their completion. Therefore, the cost of services also increases.
Who Are Eligible For Blue Collar Jobs?
The jobs that fall under the blue-collar category may or may not require a college degree or a professional degree. Furthermore, with changing times, society is realizing that having a college degree does not make a person better than others. Some professional skills are not available in colleges and universities.
In comparison to blue-collar jobs, a white-collar job requires at least an undergraduate degree for new hires. For higher positions in white-collar jobs, an individual might need to have higher qualifications to start. However, with changing times, the focus is more on having the necessary skills rather than just having only bookish knowledge of the skills.
Hence, because of such reasons, there has been a higher appreciation for blue-collar workers in society. They put in manual labor and have exceptional ability and skills in a particular job role. These factors lead to an increase in the cost of services for blue-collar workers, which is a good thing for the so-called “lower sections of society.”
Blue collars work in industrial settings, and they might have to come across dirt and stains on a regular basis. Hence, such workers need to be generally fitter and have more skills in comparison to white-collar workers. The former does not necessarily have to work in an office environment.
Few Things To Consider Before Classifying Blue Collar Jobs
According to Investopedia, “Blue collar continues to refer to the section of the labor force that works manual labor. These individuals may work in factories, plants, and mines, but they may also work with animals like those who work on farms. Many blue-collar workers work with heavy machinery.”
Hence, you have to understand here that blue-collar workers can be skilled and unskilled. However, the skills that are necessary for such workers can be acquired through similar job roles and through trade schools.
What Are The Best Examples Of Blue Collar Jobs?
If you want to join a blue-collar field, you need to be okay with working as a manual laborer. You should not mind doing jobs that require physical effort.
According to Indeed.com, “If you don’t mind physical labor or working with your hands, you might consider a job in a blue-collar field. While these jobs are often more physically demanding, they can provide a high level of job satisfaction if you enjoy manual labor or a skilled trade.”
The following are some of the best and most common examples of blue-collar jobs:
1. Railroad Conductors
These individuals ensure that passenger trains and cargo trains run safely and in an ordered manner through railroads. They check tickets and assist passengers, too.
2. Police Officer
These people ensure the proper functioning of the law and ensure the safety of people at all times. They also make arrests and ensure safety at times of disastrous situations.
3. Mining Workers
These people work in oil mines, coal mines, and similar places. These workers have a variety of roles, including working in the mines, reporting to managers, ensuring the safety of other workers, etc.
4. Plumbers
These workers test pipes and repair and assemble pipes as per needs. They do so to ensure that pipelines are working perfectly. An organization can employ these workers, or they can choose to stay self-employed as well.
5. Electrician
Electricians are responsible for installing, repairing, and testing electrical wiring and electric systems at homes, offices, and elsewhere. They also test electrical equipment to ensure safety.
6. Construction Managers
These people oversee construction projects from start to end. They are also responsible for checking deliverables, scheduling them, determining the cost of projects, etc.
There are many more examples you can see for yourself of people who are blue-collar workers. You need to understand that blue-collar workers are extremely important for society, and they are the ones who keep the incredible infrastructure system running.
Wrapping Up
Hope this article was helpful in answering your question, “What are blue collars?” Generally, a certain portion of the workforce includes blue-collar workers. The jobs that come under the category of “blue collars” are mainly working-class jobs, where people earn their wages on an hourly basis. Furthermore, the work mostly requires manual labor.
Being a blue-collar worker requires a high amount of skill in a particular job. Some of the major examples include factory workers, nuclear technicians, subway operators, welders, etc. Do you think the development of AI will affect blue-collar workers? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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