Across the entirety of the U.S., a quiet transformation (a shift) is happening within the skilled labor (blue collar) industries.
One of the key factors driving this transformation is the demand for skilled labor.
Aging infrastructure, projects concerning energy transition, and the general urban environment are among the main factors contributing to the rise in demand.
With that being said, the demand for workers may be on the rise, but that does not mean that entry is simple. A new type of structure, as a response to the shift, is formed. A structure that is far more regulated and organized.
Today, credentials are not something that is a simple administrative requirement; today, credentials are something that is fundamental in the workforce.
A Changing Definition of Skilled Work
Apprenticeship and hands-on experience were the backbone of construction or electrical work. This has been the case for a long time. That same foundation still matters; however, the modern industry has introduced new layers to it.
The requirements have expanded.
Today, apart from apprenticeship and hands-on experience, technical training is just as important, and like technical training, it is also important to obtain certification in safety compliance.
For example, an ES-3 Low Voltage Special Systems (under 50 volts) license is required to allow a person to legally perform certain types of electrical work. In addition to that, in many states, the participants also need to pass the Business Law exam, which can also be very state-specific, making the exam more difficult for the candidates, but also more rewarding for their career.
That’s why it’s often a good idea for candidates to apply for licensing exam programs that help them best prepare and pass the test more easily.
So, for instance, in New Mexico, you’d be required to get a New Mexico ES-3 license, which is why these types of programs can be tailored towards the state of New Mexico. But if you were to go for an Arizona ES-3 license, the exam would be different, meaning you’d have to prepare differently for the licensing test.
And ES-3 is only one of many examples of this.
Basically, it boils down to this – if you want to work legally, you need a valid license. And in order to obtain one, you need to pass a licensing test, which will differ depending on which state you wish to work in.
All this comes after meeting training and exam requirements. State-issued licenses are a big part of construction standards and electrical work, as well as continuing education requirements.
This change shows not only regulatory updates but the increased complexity within the system itself when it comes to structure standards, energy infrastructure, and general electrical work standards.
These growing requirements show a new type of expectation that is placed on the workforce.
A change that’s pretty much no longer optional.
The Rise of Re-education
Re-education in today’s market has seen a big rise.
It’s becoming more and more the norm than it used to be. When taking into account traditional paths such as formal education, which end after school, skilled trades, on the other hand, require a more ongoing learning process.
Every laborer working in the construction or electrical market needs to keep updated with factors such as:
- Constantly updated and changed electrical codes and safety standards
- Renewable energy integration and the technical skills involved with it
- Smart building technologies and new processes involving them
- Digital infrastructure systems and their operations
Because of the nature of the ever-changing work environments and businesses, the worker also needs to keep up with the said changes.
To do so, they need to periodically re-enter educational institutions. If they fail to comply or complete them, then they can lose their license or, at the very least, the competitiveness required in their respective field.
In short, re-education is not something that is optional anymore; instead, it is part of career continuity.
Licensing as a Career Gateway
There are a few people who don’t view licensing as an administrative hurdle. Although they do come with their fair share of issues, they are also gateways that lead to stable careers.
For example, professionals pursuing roles in electrical work and construction often need both technical skills and knowledge when it comes to various safety and regulations involved in their jobs.
Licensing is becoming more and more the focal point for the workforce, where it improves the business both in terms of legitimacy (important), but also employability (which gives more leverage to the workers).
And if you add to that how today the business world is changing much faster with all the new/adapted rules/regulations, innovations, and safety protocols, this direction looks like it’s the correct one.
And one that is important for that extra competitive edge, and also one that is required for legal work.
Conclusion
When it comes to the future of construction site, it’s safe to say that it does not involve only investment in infrastructure and the development of infrastructure, but also in the workers who support those structures.
Licenses, like the electrical license mentioned with the New Mexico example, aren’t simple regulations; what they are is a sign of the move toward a new type of work ethic/environment – and that’s a good thing.
They’re part of the shift and at the same time an indicator of how labor is done and how it is organized.
The demand for infrastructure continues to evolve and expand, and as it does, the system evolves with it. One of the key factors of this evolution is the re-education system that has seen a rise in modern times. A feature that is a big part of the workforce of today. This key feature is what determines the success of the workers.
Those who realize this will go towards progress; those who do not will be left behind.
In short, licensing, skills, and re-education are part of the new wave of the workforce.
