What blue collar trade requires the most academic knowledge?

[Evo]

Frankly, I was getting a vibe of a charge of the other side of the coin; elitism from the white collar. That's why I don't like these terms. They are loaded.

Yes, it is elitism.

 

[gjonesy]

Among white collar workers in the US, it is unfortunate that many people use the term "blue collar" as a put down, insinuating that the person is of low social status and education.

Yeah unfortunately that is sometimes the case. BUT if this minority who believe "blue collar work" is beneath them only knew the blood sweat and tears required to gain the skills of a master craftsman in highly technical trades, I feel they would gain a lot of respect for the few at the bottom who helped to build this country, make life easier, and in general keep the wheels of progress turning. No electricians no light, no plumbers no bathroom or indoor water, no masons no carpenters no buildings, no welders fabricators no machinery. This country was built on the backs of craftsmen. And I am very proud to have been within their ranks.

P.S. To be able to create with your hands is the means by which human survival and mastery of the environment began. From making simple hand tools out of rock to building $500,000 machinery this has been one of mans greater achievements.

 

[OCR]

And I am very proud to have been within their ranks.

 

[Hornbein]

I remember seeing a quiz show from the Soviet Union, something kind of like Jeopardy. The contestants had professions like bus driver and plumber. Never saw that in the US.