New Collar Jobs: The New Reality in the Technical Job Market
The world of work is changing rapidly, and with the rise of new technologies, a new type of job profile has emerged: New Collar Jobs. This term, introduced by IBM’s CEO Ginni Rometty, refers to roles that don’t necessarily require a traditional university degree but do demand specific technical skills. In this article, we explore what this trend entails, why it is emerging now, and how WFS PRO can support companies in this area.
What Are New Collar Jobs?
New Collar Jobs focus on practical, immediately applicable skills rather than formal diplomas. Unlike traditional White Collar (office) and Blue Collar (manual labor) jobs, New Collar roles fall somewhere in between. Examples include:
- Commissioning Engineer
- PLC Engineer
- Technician Mechanical Components
- Service Engineer Electrical
- Wiring Operator
Why Is This Trend Emerging Now?
The rise of New Collar Jobs is driven by several key factors:
Technological Advancements
Innovations are occurring at a rapid pace, creating new roles that traditional education systems don’t always adequately address. Companies need employees who are quickly deployable and equipped with the right skills.
Shortage of Technical Talent
Many high-tech companies face a chronic shortage of qualified personnel. New Collar programs offer a solution by providing faster, more targeted training.
Changing Attitudes Toward Diplomas
Employers are increasingly valuing skills and practical experience over formal diplomas. This opens up opportunities for individuals willing to reskill or upskill.
New Training Opportunities
The rise of alternative learning methods, such as online platforms and traineeships, makes it easier to acquire targeted skills quickly. These flexible models align better with the needs of companies.
How Can WFS PRO Help?
As a recruitment partner in the high-tech industry, WFS PRO plays a key role in connecting technical talent with companies. We see the rise of New Collar Jobs not just as a trend but as an opportunity to address the shortage of technical personnel in a structural way.
- Establishing (Internal) Training Programs
WFS PRO can help companies set up internal training programs and traineeships. Over the past few years, we’ve successfully achieved this with various clients. For instance, we collaborated with GKN Fokker Elmo to create a Traineeship in Electrical Engineering and, in 2022, partnered with CoreDux to launch a Traineeship in Engineering. - Flexible Deployment of Knowledge
We guide candidates with diverse backgrounds in transitioning to different technical sectors. We believe in the flexible applicability of technical knowledge across industries.
Conclusion
New Collar Jobs are a response to the rapidly changing demands of the technical job market. By shifting the focus from diplomas to skills, the workforce becomes more accessible and diverse. For companies, this is an opportunity to quickly access qualified talent, while employees gain new career opportunities. WFS PRO is ready to embrace this new reality and support companies and talent in their growth.
Want to know more about how WFS PRO can help your organization fill New Collar roles? Contact us today!