Why the children of today and tomorrow should consider giving priority to manual labour in Malta.

In recent times, there has been a common misconception about getting a degree instead of working in construction services, plastering works, etc. While there are valid arguments for both cases; the number of people skilled in manual work as it is decreasing exponentially; whereas, more and more people are receiving tertiary education. A very common misconception is that manual labourers are considered nonacademic, while in reality without these knowledgeable and skilled people you we would not be able to live our lives as we do today.  

So, what are we suggesting? We’re suggesting to give back a voice to people who have the desire to do manual labour, and to eliminate the misjudgements that devalue skilled manual labourers.  Once, a very wise man who was extremely influential in my life said that” Where there’s a will there’s a way”. I abide by it each and every day. Let the people’s will drive them towards their ultimate goal. Provide them with all the tools, but ultimately it is their life and their heart that chooses their path. If he/she is more into manual labour than going to university, be proud of him/her because that is where he/she wants to be.  

To begin with, I’ll structure the blog as follows: 

• Seeking Potential 

• • Work and job openings 

• Getting a degree VS manual labour 

• • Pros vs cons 
  • What we think 

• Conclusion 

• • Potential  
  • Summary 

I have been raised in a family in which all the members graduated from university. Full of faith, promise and maybe false potential (this is because it was their ambition of what I could have been; but it was not really my dream). So, having said that, we will be starting from section 1; 

Seeking potential

Being a skilled labourer is a rare thing in today’s market. However, this gives a marginal gap to anyone who has a set skill to control the market and even raise the prices. It was not like this years ago, as a skilled labourer was not as expensive. However, rightly so, prices increased drastically according to demand and skill. 

So, what kind of skilled labourers are available to look into: (some of these would need licencing and qualifications. They’ll be marked with (S)) 

• Painter 
• Plasterer 
• Carpenter  
• Electrician (S) 
• Plumber (S) 
• Home fitting – installing  
• A/C installing (S) 
• Tile layer 
• Builder  

The list could go on, it’s up to you to take your time and understand what interests you and what does not.  

We at tminta have one big belief; that if you’ve got a skill, it could become a business. So, having said that, start freelancing today – if you need a start-up guide on how to get started click here. Start pushing today!  

• Create your own profile 
• Apply for jobs 
• Get reviews 
• Be your own boss. 

Following, you will find one of the most omitted discussions in recent years: 

Getting a Degree Vs Manual Labour 

Let’s jump straight into business and assess our established pros vs cons. 

Getting a Degree

Pros 

• Having a proof of your studies. 
• The school experiences. 
• Actually, studying the course and learning in detail all the necessary stuff. 
• Less painful physically, this is always subjective to the assigned course. 

Cons 

• Minimum of 5-7ish years to get a degree 
• Lack of funding till the established point of getting a full–time job 
• A Possible lack of experience, only subjective to the individual. 
• Yet to establish yourself. 

Going to work and grinding as a manual labourer

Pros 

• You’ll be having years of experience and a quite a clear understanding. 
• You would be already established. 
• You have got a huge leverage of being already established, now you could start working something on the side. 
• Years of hands–on experience. 
• The huge rise of demand for people needing skilled labourers. 

Cons 

• Painful at times. 
• Long hours at times. 
• It is hard to gather proof of your work – subjective to your profession. 

To sum up with, I believe that the two pathways go head to head. There is not one better than the other. This is an assessment that you have to take up on yourself. I believe that they are both huge industries, where you’re both learning a skill, but a longer process is required to see how you are to go towards your ambition. 

If you would have to take a decision vs time and how long it takes in relation to establishing yourself, going for a skilled labourer job is a good place to start, as route deems to be quicker. However, keep in mind that it takes quite a good toll on your body and it can be quite painful in the future. This all depends though, for example if you’re 16 years of age, I suggest taking a decision based on what you want not what your family desires. There is a huge need for skilled workers so you would never be out of work! Block these misconceptions! 

Conclusion

We think that people should be allowed to choose what their heart truly desires. Push more kids into the manual labour area, only if they want to. Do not force anyone; provide them with all the required information and then it is up to them to choose their path. There are huge pros for starting in manual labour at a young age as you’ll establish yourself, and your experience would be as valuable, if not more than a degree. As the number of people joining university are on the rise, the demand for manual labour skill sets are always on the rise. You are your own limit if you don’t believe in yourself.  

So, to put your name out there, join us on tminta from the link here. You’ll be able to start your own profile; people could comment and review your service. As you’re a step ahead, people will rate their experience highly and thus put you in favour against other competitors. So, start today, expose yourself and side hustle. Each skill is a business yet to flourish. 

We believe in you.