New-collar worker

A new-collar worker is someone who develops the necessary technical expertise and interpersonal abilities for modern technology sector roles by following alternative educational routes. The phrase, introduced by IBM's CEO Ginni Rometty in late 2016, describes "middle-skill" tech positions such as cybersecurity specialists, application programmers, and cloud services experts.

Etymology

The expression "new-collar job" is a play on the term “blue-collar job” and was created by IBM CEO Ginni Rometty to help broaden the pool of qualified candidates for technology-related roles. In November 2016, Rometty addressed then-President-elect Donald Trump through an open letter advocating for the expansion of new-collar employment opportunities. This concept emerged in response to shifting labor demands as industries integrate technologies requiring skills in areas such as data science, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.

Occupations and education requirements

Rometty describes new-collar jobs as defined by "applicable skills, often acquired via vocational education." Common positions within this category include cloud computing technicians, database administrators, cybersecurity analysts, and user interface designers. These roles necessitate technical knowledge and training but do not always require a traditional four-year college degree. Skills are frequently developed through community college programs and professional certification courses. Employers place equal importance on adaptability and ongoing learning alongside formal qualifications, with many training programs emphasizing relevant soft skills. The significant skills shortage has spurred educational initiatives centered on technical skill development. For instance, Delta Air Lines collaborates with aviation maintenance schools to create specialized curricula, while IBM’s P-Tech program provides pathways combining high school education with associate degrees.

Usage

In the United States, the "New Collar Jobs Act," proposed in July 2017 by Representatives Ted Lieu, Matt Cartwright, and Ann McLane Kuster, sought to allocate funds for scholarships and debt forgiveness for individuals studying or working in cybersecurity. It also aimed to offer tax benefits to employers who provide cybersecurity training. Additionally, in August 2017, Virginia Lt. Governor Ralph Northam initiated the vocational program "Get Skilled, Get A Job, and Give Back," which focuses on developing competencies for new-collar careers.

Core Skills in New-Collar Roles

New-collar positions demand a combination of:

• Technical Skills: programming, network management, data analytics, and cloud system administration.
• Soft Skills: effective communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and flexibility.
• Digital Literacy: mastery of software applications, online environments, and data security fundamentals.

These competencies are commonly acquired through unconventional educational avenues such as coding bootcamps, community college courses, online certification programs, and industry-recognized credentials.

See also

• Designation of workers by collar color
• IBM SkillsBuild