Interviews

Navigating the Evolving Blue-Collar Landscape: Essential Skills, Global Opportunities, and Emerging Sectors in 2024

CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with VC Karthic, Founder and CEO, Buzzworks Business Services Pvt Ltd.

 

  1. Must have skills in the blue-collar industry for the year 2024

The landscape for blue collar hiring is changing rapidly and organizations are looking for specific skill sets to meet the soaring demand in this sector. The most prominent and relevant skills seeked by the employers are the soft skills, communication skills, Digital literacy & Basic literacy skills. Soft Skills such as team management and problem solving skills are important elements of survival at the workplace. The ability to communicate effectively is always the key to the challenges and employers are looking for individuals who can communicate in local language or English as this helps in smooth transition & coordination.

Digital literacy is sacrosanct nowadays as operating at digital platforms have become consequential for organizations. Being able to operate with devices comes as a package as the demand for delivery personnel & drivers at tech enabled platforms like Uber, Ola, Zomato are also increasing. Basic literacy skills are fundamental for individuals to decode instructions, report issues and also essential for daily coordination with their colleagues.

The demand for technical skills is also rising especially in plumbing electrical work, mechanical operations and constructions workers. Additionally, the need for safety training, first aid and CPR certifications are growing as the importance of employees well-being is becoming the key priority for companies.

2. Countries in demand of blue-collar workers from India

In India, Blue Collar workers are always searching for better opportunities to earn a better life for themselves and their families. As the demand for skilled workers is increasing in India as well as in other countries, these workers are exploring opportunities abroad. As India’s relationships are strengthening with countries like UAE & Israel, blue collar workers have seen a high demand from these countries. Romania and Poland also have growing economic alliances with India, so the demand for blue collar employment has seen growth in these countries as well. This demand outlines the positive image of Indian workers and fortifies an interdependent relationship between India with these countries.

3. Increase in migration of blue-collar workers to UAE and the verticals

There has been a tremendous increase in the number of blue-collar migrants in the UAE especially when it comes to their roles such as general helpers, construction laborers, welders nurses, MEP, stick men and even agricultural workers. There are many development projects taking place in the area which increases the requirement of qualified professionals from various fields. Buzzworks has been able to onboard more than 300 candidates in roles such as construction, health care and manufacturing showing that the demand for blue-collar professionals is rising high within the UAE.

4. Sectors that are expected to boom in blue-collar industry in the year 2024

This year has been projected to be a year of significant boom in the blue-collar industry with sectors including construction, manufacturing, e-commerce and agriculture. The growth in demand is also anticipated from sectors like logistics, mobility, retail, information technology, banking & financial services.