Uneducated Blue-Collar Workers... Say What!?!?

During the 2024 election season, I repeatedly heard the term “uneducated blue-collar worker” used to describe particular groups of voters in rural regions of the country. Frankly, I find this label offensive—not just to me but also to my brothers and sisters in the blue-collar and skilled trades workforce.

As I looked deeper into this, I discovered that this isn’t a new term; it has been used for over a decade. Let’s break it down and shine a light on just how educated blue-collar workers truly are.

Young and Dumb?

Early in my construction career, I was intimidated by college-educated engineers and project managers. I used to say things like, “I’m just a dumb construction worker,” because that’s how I felt. In high school during the early 1990s, not going to college was frowned upon. Pursuing a career in construction—or any skilled trade—wasn’t something career counselors encouraged.

However, after a few years on the job, I had an eye-opening realization. I met many engineers and project managers who were indeed proficient in their fields and matched my expectations of a college graduate. But I also encountered a few who were neither effective nor as intelligent as I had assumed.

Conversely, I worked alongside many skilled blue-collar workers who spent years mastering their trades. These individuals—without college degrees—became journeymen, supervisors, and even project managers.

It became clear to me: you don’t need a college degree to be educated. College is just one way to gain knowledge. There are countless other ways to develop skills, advance your career, and achieve success.

STEM for Blue-Collar Workers

The skilled trades and blue-collar workforce use STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) daily to deliver the products and services that drive industries forward. Calculating perimeters, square footage, and volumes are routine tasks for many in these fields. Operators of advanced automation and robotics rely on technology to enhance efficiency and productivity in manufacturing.

I remember rolling out the first set of plans for a project and realizing how much more I wish I had paid attention to math and geometry in high school. Now math was a requirement to perform takeoffs and estimate quantities for ordering adequate materials. Making math mistakes in construction can be expensive.

I would argue that skilled trade workers often use STEM as much—or more—than their college-educated counterparts. These individuals follow strict codes and specifications to deliver projects that meet international quality standards, such as ISO, ASME, and AISC. Their work is undeniably technical and demands rigorous attention to detail.

Delivering Education Differently

Although college has long been touted as the pinnacle of higher education, it’s not the only path to becoming educated. Learning isn’t limited to a classroom, nor is education a monopoly controlled by college institutions. For centuries, apprenticeships have been a vital method for passing skills from one generation to the next, enabling society to progress.

According to research by National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and the Construction Industry Institute (CII), seven out of ten jobs require less than a four-year degree.( BYF_Whatis_CopyEdits_R72024.pdf )Despite this, society often equates success with college education. Armed with this knowledge, our education system should present students with a full spectrum of career pathways rather than tilting the scales toward college.

It’s time to recognize blue-collar workers as educated, skilled professionals. These individuals deserve the same respect as their white-collar peers for their contributions to society and the economy.

I encourage you to rethink the value of blue-collar education and support workforce development in your community. We build and maintain America.