Posted On: April 5, 2010
As a blue collar worker you may have dismissed a college education and felt school didn't offer much in terms of inspiration or interest. Blue collar workers often have the drive and desire in a specific field, one that is more hands on. It's an asset to have a particular direction and know what drives you. Considering a college education now could give the edge in the future.
Progress in blue collar jobs tends to be slow and rate of wage increase caps out early. You spend the years moving up the ranks and can earn a competitive salary, but then many workers find they hit a ceiling. To keep competitive it would be wise to expand resources and education to make yourself more marketable and move into higher positions as they become available. To remain even more competitive than ever before, workers need more education and more highly technical computer skills to perform even blue collar jobs such as welding, manufacturing and fixing cars. The years of on site or vocational experience is useful and with college education completed puts you in a place to negotiate higher wages and secure the best positions or be prepared as new positions evolve.
Education may benefit as a blue collar worker as you consider the evolution of your profession. Many blue collar jobs are physically strenuous and taxing. In older age you may want to have qualifications for another job or to be a supervisor, manager, consultant or leader of a union to negotiate on behalf of your team. You may eventually want to branch out and start your own business. With courses in a specific field, you are able to have the experience on the job as well as the business knowledge. The college education helps you become well rounded to efficiently navigate within your profession. You may learn how to better market your company, compose and understand official legal documents, and become savvy in the newest technologies or market trends.
Understandably you may feel debt may be a factor in holding you back from furthering your education. In various cases, your employer may help pay for part of schooling. Even part time community college classes are affordable and can give you the edge in your vocation. Many universities offer extension courses, and you can take classes and receive credit for courses focused on your particular field or even courses that expand your role in areas of technology, marketing, business, or economics. The good news is you don't have to waste time figuring out what courses will be helpful, you already know what the needs are in the business and can pursue the exactly what you wish to learn.