Know The Difference: Unskilled, Semi-Skilled, and Skilled Labour

Every occupation needs a particular skill set, but that doesn't always mean that everybody has the right skills and requirements for the role.

Some people are losing out on advanced jobs only because they lack the necessary training needed for the job.  In contrast, others with years of experience are being passed over in favour of the ones who have no experience and a degree. 

Even the basic jobs are becoming more difficult to fill, either because nobody wants them or the requirements of having a degree are causing a financial setback that is not worth the low wage that the worker will receive.

Unskilled Labour

Unskilled labour means that the job will be done by someone who has no particular skills and hardly any formal education. The job is usually simple, although, in the field of construction and other workplaces, it is physically demanding with long work hours.

There are not many unskilled labour jobs left since every job now requires knowledge of some sort. Whether it's computers or other type of technology, everybody will need to know something to acquire a job in the future.

Examples of unskilled labour:

• Housekeeper
• Fast-food workers
• Grocery clerks
• Parking lot attendants

Many Malaysians no longer want to work unskilled labour jobs

Semi-skilled Labour

Semi-skilled labour does not require advanced training or specialised skills, but it does need more skills than an unskilled labour job. Workers who perform semi-skilled labour have graduated from school but did not advance far enough through university to gain a degree. 

The skills that workers have for some of these jobs, along with the new skills that they learn as they are working, are always capable of being transferred to jobs that they may have in the future.

Few instances of semi-skilled labour:

• Salespeople
• Flight attendants
• Security guards
• Truck drivers

Skilled Labour

Skilled labour refers to workers who have specialised training or skills. These workers are capable of exercising judgement and have knowledge of the specific trade or industry they work.

People who perform skilled labour will most likely have a degree. The demand for skilled labour occupation continues to grow as the need for specialised skills becomes more and more essential. Workers who possess an even higher degree of skills, such as doctors, would be put into a separate category of professionals.

Few examples of skilled labour:

• Electricians
• Nurses
• Engineers
• Craftsmen
• Accountants
• Machinists
• Software developers

Now, many Malaysians prefer to work as engineers and other skilled labour jobs.

Now that we understand these different types of labour, it is easier to understand why unskilled and semi-skilled jobs are diminishing. The world is way different than it was 50 years ago and menial labour is no longer surplus. 

Technology changes the way things are done, and everybody needs the skillset to keep up. 

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