New Collar Jobs: The New Reality in the Technical Labor Market
The world of work is changing rapidly, and with the emergence of new technologies, a new kind of job profile is also emerging: New Collar Jobs. This term, introduced by IBM CEO Ginni Rometty, refers to jobs that do not necessarily require a traditional college education, but do require specific technical skills. In this article, we discuss exactly what this trend means, why it is emerging at this very moment, and how WFS PRO can support companies in it.
What are New Collar Jobs?
New Collar Jobs are positions that emphasize practical, immediately applicable skills rather than formal degrees. Unlike traditional White Collar (office) and Blue Collar (manual labor) jobs, New Collar jobs fall somewhere in the middle. Consider jobs such as:
- Commissioning Engineer
- Technician Mechanical Components
- PLC Engineer
- Welding Technician
- Technical Service Coordinator
- Wiring Operator
- Service Engineer
Why is this trend emerging now?
The rise of New Collar Jobs is driven by several key factors:
Technological advances
Innovations follow each other at a rapid pace, creating new functions for which traditional training does not always have an appropriate answer. Companies need employees who can be deployed quickly and have the right skills.
Shortage of technical talent
Many high-tech companies face a chronic shortage of qualified personnel. New Collar programs offer a solution to this by providing faster and more targeted training.
Changing attitudes toward degrees
Employers increasingly value skills and practical experience over formal diplomas. This creates opportunities for people willing to retrain or upskill.
New training opportunities
The offering of alternative learning methods, such as online learning platforms and traineeships, makes it easier to acquire skills quickly and in a targeted manner. These flexible models better fit the needs of companies.
What can WFS PRO do?
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 structurally address the shortage of technical staff.
- Setting up (internal) training programs: WFS PRO can help companies set up internal training programs and traineeships. We have already realized this in collaboration with several clients in recent years. For example, we have set up a Traineeship Electrical Engineering with GKN Fokker Elmo and a Traineeship Engineering with CoreDux in 2022.
- Flexible employability of knowledge: We can assist candidates from different backgrounds to move to another technical sector. We believe in the flexible employability of technical knowledge within different industries.
Conclusion
New Collar Jobs are a response to the rapidly changing demands of the tech job market. By shifting the focus from diplomas to skills, they create a more accessible and diverse job field. For companies, this means an opportunity to get qualified talent faster, while providing employees with new career opportunities. WFS PRO is ready to embrace this new reality and support companies and talent in their growth.
Want to learn more about how WFS PRO can help your organization fill New Collar positions? Then get in touch with us!
