Blue-Collar Jobs
Blue-collar jobs refer to roles that generally do not require much in the way of formal education, they are often highly specialized with skills obtained through apprenticeships or trade school. In times when tertiary education is more accessible than ever, it's becoming more challenging to find and retain great blue-collar workers in the U.K.
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Origin of the Term "Blue-Collar":
The term "blue-collar" first appeared in the 1920s in reference to trade workers. The phrase comes from the image of tradesmen wearing blue denim or canvas shirts as part of their uniform. The idea is that the dark blue color would conceal dirt or grease, helping them appear cleaner.
Blue-Collar vs. White-Collar Workers:
White-collar jobs usually require some sort of formal education with a bachelor's degree in a related field, in contrast to blue-collar jobs, which typically do not. Unlike blue-collar workers, white-collar workers don't do manual labor.
The Top 10 Blue-Collar Jobs in the U.K. for 2023:
Rank | Job Title | Avg. Annual Salary* |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Site Manager | |
| 2. | Bricklayer | |
| 3. | Carpenter | |
| 4. | Nurse | |
| 5. | Tiler | |
| 6. | Heavy Equipment Mechanic | |
| 7. | Electrician | |
| 8. | Plumber | |
| 9. | Maintenance Technician | |
| 10. | Sales Representative |
*Salary data is subject to regular change.
FAQs:
What does the term blue-collar mean?
Blue-collar refers to the working class who perform manual labor outside of an office environment.
What education is required for a blue-collar job?
Most blue-collar jobs require no formal education. However, training is required either through apprenticeship programs or via a trade school.
What is the difference between a blue-collar and white-collar worker?
Blue-collar workers perform manual labor outside of an office environment, while white-collar workers are office professionals who perform desk, administrative, and managerial duties.