What is the Difference Between Skilled, Semi-Skilled, and Unskilled Labor?

What is the Difference Between Skilled, Semi-Skilled, and Unskilled Labor?

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In this post-pandemic job market, the differences between skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled labor could not be more noticeable.  A shift has taken place in the labor market due to the two-plus years of the Covid-19 pandemic that has occurred, along with the supply chain crisis of not being able to get goods delivered where or when they are needed. So, we wanted to put together some skilled labor examples for you to truly understand the difference.

There seem to be a million jobs available but not enough of the right type of workers to fill the needed positions.  These include all three categories of labor: skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled.  Demographics show that many workers are at, or close enough to (think Baby Boomer generation), the retirement age and are retiring.  During the last couple of eye-opening years, laborers are now demanding better pay and more flexible working conditions.  Now is a crucial time to understand the differences between the laborers in this new market, in this new world.

Skilled Labor Examples

Skilled labor has needs that are based on more education, experience, and expertise than un-skilled or even semi-skilled labor.  A certain amount of study in a particular field or industry is required to serve as a base foundation for the important roles they will take on in their daily jobs.  Specific training and education are needed before skilled laborers are ready to begin a new career in the skilled labor force.  Skilled laborers typically have a college degree and/or a specialized degree.  Skilled labor examples include carpenters, police officers, firemen, doctors, nurses, lawyers, ironworkers, millwrights, welders, plumbers, drywall hangers, turbine mechanics, and installers of insulation materials.  Other skilled labor examples include travel agents, administrative/executive assistants, electricians, chefs/cooks, computer operators and coders, financial advisors, and sales representatives.  All these skilled labor examples require some degree of formal education so they can be successful in their chosen industry.  They have to know well the tasks they will be asked to perform.

SEMI-SKILLED LABORERS

Most semi-skilled laborers have a high school diploma and maybe a few college courses to their credit, along with an earned training certificate or two in the field they wish to specialize in.  The jobs offered to semi-skilled workers typically do not require any extensive training or specific education degrees.

The line between semi-skilled and skilled labor can become a bit blurry at times, just depending on the responsibilities of the position.  An administrative assistant or office worker can do quite well with or without an advanced education, depending on the aptitude of the individual and the specifics that the job will need.  The skillset of semi-skilled workers is typically transferrable and useful in more than one role.  Examples of semi-skilled labor include bartenders, truck drivers, taxi drivers, flight attendants, security guards, retail sales personnel, and waiters, just to name a few.  All these occupations also require effective communication skills.  While these positions do not require as much specificity as skilled labor occupations, they do require some formal training, and more knowledge than un-skilled labor roles require.

UN-SKILLED LABORERS

The “unskilled labor” category by no means implies that the individual doesn’t need to have any skills.  It simply means the individual doesn’t have any formal or specific education or training background in any particular industry.  Un-skilled laborers are very important to the job market.  Un-skilled workers are able to learn on the job, typically with a degree of physicality involved, such as those who work as janitors, fast food workers, maids, furniture movers, etc.  Un-skilled laborers should have an aptitude to learn and be able to follow directions/instructions.  They should also be patient and have a good attitude to be successful.  Those in the unskilled labor category can always move into the semi-skilled or skilled category if they pursue formal education in their field of interest.

CONCLUSION

Many businesses are being forced to close due to a shortage of qualified workers and/or workers who are willing to work in unskilled jobs.  All job roles are important.  We need every worker to help stabilize our economy.  Never has there been a more crucial time to talk with Labor for Hire about the industry needs for the position you are interested in.  Never has there been a more crucial time to let Labor for Hire help guide you in the right direction.  LFH also provides OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) training as it relates to safety in the work position you undertake.  Call Labor for Hire today at 1-561-585-9859 or toll-free at 1-866-648-6650.  The best place to start is Labor for Hire.