Some supervisors work in plants that operate around the clock and may work any one of three shifts as well as on weekends and holidays. Employment Blue-collar worker supervisors held about 1.9 million jobs in 1994. Other industries employing blue-collar worker supervisors included construction, wholesale and retail trade, public utilities, repair shops, transportation, and government. Employment is distributed in much the same way as the population, and jobs are located in all cities and towns. Training , Other Qualifications, and Advancement When choosing supervisors, employers generally look for experience, job knowledge, organizational skills, and leadership qualities.
Employers emphasize the ability to motivate employees, maintain high morale, and command respect.
In addition, employers desire well rounded applicants who are able to deal with different situations and different types of people. Communication and interpersonal skills are extremely important attributes in this occupation. Completion of high school is often the minimum educational requirement to become a blue-collar worker supervisor, but workers generally need training in human resources and management before they advance to these positions. Although many workers still rise through the ranks with high school diplomas, employers are increasingly hiring applicants with postsecondary technical degrees. In high-technology industries, such as aerospace and electronics, employers typically require a bachelor's degree or technical school training.