Since the cannabis industry has many never-been-done-before roles, it’s paving the way for the continued rise of new-collar jobs. And as the cannabis industry continues to mature, there will likely be even more specialized roles emerging.
The terms “blue collar” and “white collar” emerged in the early 20th century, based on work attire: blue for manual laborers and white for office workers. Upton Sinclair popularized “white collar” to describe clerical and administrative jobs. White-collar jobs evolved to be seen as a status symbol because of the need for expensive education, a “cushy” office work environment, income perks, and esteemed cultural perception. Blue-collar jobs were seen as almost the opposite – they have historically been considered jobs that you learned on the job, or at a trade school, and were more hands-on and in the field.
Now, as the workforce evolves in the digital age, there are a whole new sector of jobs on the rise – “new-collar” jobs.
This article dives into:
- What are new-collar jobs?
- New-collar jobs in the cannabis industry
- Benefits of new-collar jobs for job seekers + tips
- Benefits of new-collar jobs for cannabis employers + tips
- Future trends and how the cannabis industry is leading the way
What are “new-collar” jobs?
New-collar jobs are positions that sit somewhere between blue-collar and white-collar jobs. Like blue-collar jobs, they require technical or vocational skills but don’t demand a four-year college degree. Unlike blue-collar jobs that require manual labor, new-collar jobs combine specialized training without the labor, more similar to white-collar jobs.
Why the rise of new-collar jobs?
As higher education continues to be incredibly expensive and unattainable for many people, leading to an increase in new-collar jobs. While some people may still choose to go to college, the skills needed for new-collar jobs can be learned by self-education, on-the-job training, certifications, and practical expertise.
These types of jobs are often found in industries that require hands-on skills and emerging technologies. Industries like IT, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and – you guessed it! – cannabis, are seeing a surge in new-collar jobs.
Benefits of new-collar jobs for job seekers
New-collar jobs offer workers an opportunity to have a fulfilling and desirable career with a good salary and job growth opportunities, without the traditional, time-consuming, and expensive pathway of a bachelor’s degree. A few benefits include:
Access to high-growth industries
New-collar jobs are often found in emerging and rapidly growing sectors like technology, healthcare, and cannabis.
Competitive salaries
Many new-collar jobs come with the potential for rapid salary growth, especially as emerging industries – like cannabis – expand. New-collar roles provide higher pay than traditional blue-collar jobs, offering the chance at a high salary without the burden of higher education debt.
Job stability and security
As more specialized industries – like cannabis or tech – rapidly grow, the need for specialized skills also grows. This can provide long-term job security for having the right in-demand skills.
Opportunities for advancement
The nature of new-collar jobs is that there are always skills to learn and build upon. Since specialized skills for niche industries are so in demand, it opens up a clear path for career growth, upward internal mobility, and salary increases as the person’s skills build. Job seekers can start in entry-level roles and then gain experience, certifications, or additional training to move into more senior positions.
Low barrier to entry
The skill-based nature of new-collar jobs makes it easier for job seekers to start their careers quickly. Once the necessary skills are acquired, the person can get started – regardless of whether skills are gained through short-term courses, certifications, on-the-job training, or apprenticeships.
How new-collar jobs impact the cannabis industry
Overall, these types of jobs help the cannabis industry drive growth and professionalism. The industry needs more and more skilled employees every day and the industry cannot wait for a degree. Certifications help get employees qualified faster.
Just having training programs elevates the level of professionalism, thereby further legitimizing the industry. As more certifications become available, and as more people get formally trained in cannabis, the industry becomes more mainstream and normalized.
New-collar skills in cannabis. Many cannabis companies are looking for individuals with specialized knowledge of:
- Cultivation techniques
- Product testing
- Extraction
- Compliance
- Manufacturing
- Digital marketing
These types of roles provide an entry point to high-growth fields for job seekers with the right skills. From there, they have the opportunity to continue learning and grow.
Tips for job seekers looking for new-collar jobs in cannabis
Here are 5 tips for positioning oneself for a new-collar job in cannabis:
Pursue relevant certifications and training
Many cannabis roles require industry certifications if you don’t have previous experience. Look for accredited training programs in your field of choice. Green Flower partners with universities across the country to provide accredited certification courses.
Explore Green Flower certificate courses
Gain hands-on experience
Cannabis companies are always looking for people with previous cannabis experience. While not required, it’s always helpful to find some kind of job experience to get to the next step in a career. Taking a lower-level role, volunteering, or doing apprenticeships to build the skills to be an attractive candidate for the desired role.
Highlight transferable skills
As cannabis remains a rapidly growing field, there is still a lot of room for people with non-cannabis experience. The cannabis industry values transferable skills like problem-solving, customer service, sales, technical expertise, and more. Highlighting existing skills increases a candidate’s attractiveness.
Stay informed about industry trends
To position oneself as a valuable candidate in the continually evolving and changing cannabis industry, keeping current on regulations, market shifts, and emerging technologies and trends is key.
Network and engage with industry groups
The cannabis industry values community and relationships. Attending industry events or job fairs should be considered. Also, the cannabis community on LinkedIn is strong – a profile tailored to the cannabis industry can start building an online network.
Benefits of new-collar jobs for cannabis employers
New-collar jobs provide several benefits to cannabis employers, including:
Access to a broader talent pool
Since a four-year degree is no longer a top priority, the talent pool opens up to a wider range of candidates. Employers that are still using a degree as a means to screen whether a candidate is qualified may be missing out on workers they may desperately need.
Reduced education and training costs
New-collar workers often have more specialized training, which can reduce the amount of on-the-job training and education costs. Employers can hire individuals who are ready to hit the ground running.
Increases innovation and adaptability
Many new-collar workers are self-starters who keep current on the latest industry trends and best practices. This can bring fresh perspectives and innovation to companies that are eager to stay competitive.
Building a diverse and inclusive workforce
New-collar jobs open up opportunities to individuals from various backgrounds. Since access to higher education is not a requirement, underrepresented communities have more opportunities to build skills for new-collar roles. This leads to a more diverse and inclusive workplace, which enriches company culture, improves decision-making, and enhances innovation in the workplace.
Tips for cannabis HR leaders hiring new-collar jobs
Here are 5 tips for HR leaders looking to hire new-collar positions:
Look for skills and certifications
Updating job descriptions to include industry-specific certifications for hiring roles is valuable. Something to ask candidates is, “How do you continue to develop your skillset?” This question will help gauge if they are a continual learner or not.
Breakthrough technology like engin™ – AI recruiting platform that’s widely used in the cannabis industry – prioritizes candidates with matching certifications and experiences. And when you’re hiring internally, training hiring managers to have a skill-based mindset when hiring is key.
Use skill-based assessments
Finding out if someone is actually qualified for the job is leveled up in the interview process. Is there a skill-based assessment candidates can take? Or can they demonstrate their skills in another way that demonstrates resourceful thinking?
Depending on the role, hiring a cannabis recruiting agency to help vet candidates before speaking with them may give a company a critical business edge. At FlowerHire, we know how to find top talent for cannabis companies. Reach out to us!
Seek adaptability
Seeking out candidates who have the DNA of a cannabis a good cannabis hire should be a priority. The industry evolves fast, so finding candidates who have a willingness to learn and stay current is a huge asset to a company.
Leverage niche recruiting channels
Taking advantage of cannabis-specific job boards, and partnering with training programs to find candidates who are focused on the cannabis industry are invaluable.
Promote diversity and inclusion
New-collar jobs allow employers to tap into a diverse talent pool. Companies with a diverse workplace culture are 35% more likely to outperform their competitors, 70% more likely to capture new markets, and 87% better at making decisions.
The importance of soft skills
Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are essential in an industry that is constantly changing and evolving.
These strategies will help cannabis HR leaders build a skilled, diverse, and adaptable workforce, contributing to long-term success in the industry.
Future trends: the cannabis industry is paving the way for new-collar jobs
Since the cannabis industry has many never-been-done-before roles, it’s paving the way for the continued rise of new-collar jobs. And as the cannabis industry continues to mature, there will likely be even more specialized roles emerging.
Some areas to keep an eye on for new-collar workers are marketing, data analytics, research, manufacturing, and cultivation.
This shift from blue-collar vs. white-collar includes new-collar benefits for both employers and employees. Employers can more easily get a highly skilled workforce and keep pace with evolving industry demands, and employees can have more career opportunities without spending money on traditional degrees. Lastly, it presents an opportunity to help drive the growth and professionalism of the cannabis industry.