The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically accelerated the adoption of  automation and technologies across industries. This digital  transformation poses significant challenges for blue-collar workers who  may find their roles and skillsets quickly becoming obsolete.

Experts believe the path forward lies in proactive reskilling and  upskilling initiatives to empower this critical segment of the workforce. Blue-collar jobs, which encompass roles in manufacturing,  construction, transportation, and other manual labor-intensive fields, have historically been less susceptible to technological disruption. However, the pandemic has shattered that notion, driving companies to rapidly integrate robotic process automation, advanced analytics, and  autonomous systems to boost efficiency and reduce human-to-human contact.

A McKinsey study  found that the COVID-19 crisis could accelerate the automation of up to  25% of jobs in the United States alone. This is particularly concerning  for blue-collar workers, many of whom lack the digital skills needed to  adapt to these changes. A Brookings Institution report  revealed that only 30% of workers in transportation, production, and  food preparation occupations have the necessary digital skills to thrive  in an increasingly automated workplace.

To address this skills gap, companies and policymakers must invest  heavily in programs tailored to the unique needs of these workers. This  should include a focus on developing competencies in areas such as:

• Digital literacy: Familiarity with basic software,  hardware, and digital tools is becoming essential, even for  traditionally manual roles. Workers must be equipped with the ability to  navigate and leverage technology in their day-to-day tasks.

• Data  analysis and interpretation: Blue-collar employees will need to develop  the skills to collect, analyze, and draw insights from information to  optimize processes and identify areas for improvement.

• Maintenance  and troubleshooting: With the rise of smart factories, automated  logistics, and robotic equipment, workers will require specialized  training to maintain, repair, and troubleshoot these advanced systems.

• Adaptability  and problem-solving: The ability to quickly learn new skills, adapt to  new tools, and solve complex, non-routine problems will be essential.

Governments, educational institutions, and industry leaders must  collaborate to develop comprehensive reskilling programs that provide  blue-collar workers with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in  an increasingly automated world. This could include subsidized training,  apprenticeship programs, and partnerships with community colleges and  technical schools.

What If ?

If proactive measures are not taken to address those needs, we can expect to see some significant social impacts:

• Widespread job displacement and unemployment:  Without the necessary digital and technical skills to adapt to new  technologies, blue-collar workers will face a high risk of job loss as  their roles become automated. This could lead to widespread  unemployment, particularly in industries like manufacturing,  transportation, and construction.

• Widening socioeconomic  disparities: Blue-collar jobs have traditionally provided stable,  middle-class incomes for workers without college degrees. The  displacement of these jobs could exacerbate existing socioeconomic  divides, as those unable to reskill may struggle to find comparable  employment opportunities.

• Social unrest and political  instability: The combination of job losses, income insecurity, and  growing inequality could fuel social unrest, as displaced workers feel  left behind by technological progress. This could contribute to  political instability and the rise of populist movements.

• Strain  on social safety nets: Increased unemployment and loss of income would  place a significant strain on social safety net programs, such as  unemployment benefits, welfare, and public assistance. Governments may  struggle to keep up with the demand for these services.

• Erosion  of community and family structures: Blue-collar jobs often serve as the  backbone of local communities, providing stable employment and  supporting family structures. The loss of these jobs could lead to the  breakdown of community ties and the destabilization of families.

• Mental  health and well-being challenges: The stress and uncertainty associated  with job loss and economic insecurity can have severe impacts on the  mental health and overall well-being of blue-collar workers and their  families.

To mitigate these potential social consequences, it is crucial  that policymakers, employers, and  institutions work together to develop  and implement comprehensive programs. By proactively investing in the  workforce of the future, we can help ensure that blue-collar workers are  equipped to thrive in an increasingly automated economy, rather than  being left behind.

What Can A Worker Do About It ?

First things first: following are tools and software that  blue-collar workers should become familiar with to better adapt to  technology and automated processes:

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems:

• Familiarize with using ERP systems for inventory management, production planning, and workflow automation

• Examples: SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics

Industrial Automation Software:

• Understand the basic functions and interfaces of these software to interact with automated equipment and processes

• Examples: PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) programming software, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems

Maintenance Management Software:

• Learn to use these tools for preventive maintenance, work order management, and equipment monitoring

• Examples: CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System), Asset Management Software

Data Visualization and Analytics Tools:

• Develop skills in interpreting data dashboards, charts, and reports to gain insights into automated processes

• Examples: Power BI, Tableau, Qlik

Collaborative Communication Platforms:

• Become proficient in using these tools for team  collaboration, information sharing, and task management in an automated  work environment

• Examples: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Trello

I know it is easier said than done. But, by familiarizing yourself  with these types of tools and software, you can better understand and  interact with the technology and systems that are increasingly being  integrated into work processes. This exposure can help to adapt more  effectively to the changing work landscape and contribute to the success  of AI-driven and automated operations.