Jakarta – The number of blue collar workers seeking employment through job search apps has increased sharply, overtaking white collar applicants, according to the observations of human resources management solution firm PT Telefast Indonesia.

"Based on our observations, we noticed a trend where, on average, two-thirds of all people seeking jobs through job search apps fall under the category of blue collar based in their education level and experience," said Telefast Indonesia president director Jody Hedrian in Jakarta on Nov. 28.

Jody was referring to blue collar workers as applicants that had graduated high school and were associate degree (D3) holders. Meanwhile, white collar workers were defined as applicants that held a bachelor, master's or doctorate degree.

Telefast Indonesia chief operating officer Risky Nayendra also mentioned that many "blue collar" job openings were mostly found at start-ups or small and medium enterprises (SMEs). "From coffee shop baristas, customer service representatives or factory workers, many of these jobs only require that applicants be high school graduates or D3 holders," Risky said after the signing of a cooperation agreement between Telefast and job search site provider Karir.com.

The growing number of blue color workers using apps to find jobs indicates that many high school graduates and D3 holders are knowledgeable in using digital tools. It also indicates that many SMEs are turning to websites to look for employees.

According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS) data on unemployment, the open unemployment rate (TPT) in August was recorded at 5.28 percent, lower than 2018's rate of 5.34 percent. The BPS also recorded 7.05 million unemployed people in Indonesia as of August.

Despite the TPT decrease, 50,000 people became unemployed between August 2018 and August this year. (bry)

Source: https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2019/12/03/blue-collar-workers-turn-to-apps-in-job-search.html