Not Your Father's Blue Collar Job: A Look At Skilled Worker Today
By Beth Braccio Hering
Imagine a 1950s auto mechanic stepping into a modern repair shop. While some familiar hand tools would remain, the worker would be stunned by the sophisticated diagnostic equipment needed to work on ordinary cars equipped with computers and electronic components.
The mechanic's high school diploma might allow him to handle oil changes, but co-workers with specialized training would perform major repairs. And if he had questions regarding the vehicle, he could use the shop's computer to search a digital manual or even chat live with someone from corporate headquarters.
