Behind every significant change, there often lies a defining moment, a personal experience that crystallizes a vision and sets a mission in motion. I want to share a story that perfectly encapsulates the power of skill-sharing, community, and transformation. My journey with Blueshirt began almost two years ago, the goal was to build a mobile application for blue-collar community and employers, but it quickly evolved into a life-changing platform for Filipino blue-collar professionals.
As we initiated the mobile application and extended invitations to Filipino blue-collar professionals for registration, it fills me with pride to announce that our initial blue-collar community was primarily composed of Pipe Fitters.
One of the first features introduced in the app was group chats (GC), a tool to facilitate discussions and knowledge sharing. I vividly remember a remarkable experience within the Pipe Fitter community. The magic happened during a casual chat, where members were sharing their experiences, skills, and preparing for job interviews with international employers.
To my surprise, a seasoned Filipino Pipe Fitter Foreman based in the Middle East named Jerry, who wasn’t even looking for a job, sent video clips demonstrating how to do the actual isometric wire bending procedure, how to always remember the north and south, how the wire orientation should be to the community chat group.
Like many of us, I found myself initially in the dark about the significance of this skill. “Bending the wire” To be honest, I was completely clueless. Nonetheless, my inquisitiveness and willingness to embrace new information prompted me to seek clarification. It was Jerry who shed light on the matter, explaining that many employers within the industry expected candidates to showcase their wire-bending skills during job interviews. I thanked him for sharing it with the community and encouraged everyone to watch and learn.
Little did I know that this small act of skill-sharing would soon lead to an extraordinary turn of events. Just a week later, I received a notification on my Blueshirt mobile app that left me astounded. The Pipe Fitter community was buzzing with excitement because all 17 young pipe fitters who had applied for jobs were offered positions and the chance to work abroad. The reason? The employers had asked them to bend the wire!
This heartwarming and profound moment made me incredibly proud and happy for these individuals. It showcased the tangible impact that even the smallest act of skill-sharing can have on someone’s life, and how it can create employment opportunities where none seemed possible.
Their story underscores the core philosophy of Blueshirt: that a simple act of skill-sharing can change someone else’s life for the better. We believe that even the tiniest knowledge gained through sharing is a valuable asset that can prove handy in the future. It’s a testament to the belief that small actions can make a big difference in creating a community of employable skilled workers. I am committed to never missing an opportunity to share my skills, hoping that it can contribute to others achieving those pivotal moments in their professional journey. Whether it’s crafting an effective resume or honing leadership abilities, I see each skill shared as an additional tool in their utility belts, ready for them to utilize.
I am encouraging individuals and companies to join our community, volunteering to coach, mentor, and create online life skills modules. These modules cover critical areas such as Digital Literacy, Personality Development, Financial Literacy, and more. We will incorporate these modules into our mobile application, making them accessible to all Filipino skilled workers and professionals.
Ultimately, it is the unwavering commitment of individuals who share the same passion and perspective, our dedication to being more than just a mobile and web platform, but a genuine bridge linking the blue-collar community with community coaches, mentors & trainers, and the ethos that “the most valuable gift you can offer isn’t money, but life skills” that will continue to shape the future of Filipino blue-collar professionals.
We are a community-driven organization, and are extending an open invitation to individuals and companies alike to become a part of our growing community. We are encouraging everyone to volunteer their expertise, knowledge, and time to coach, mentor, and create online life skills modules that all can access freely. Join the Blueshirt community today, and be a part of our transformative journey to empower individuals for a brighter, employable-ready future. Share ideas with us at [email protected]
