<P> Both skilled and non-skilled workers are vital and indispensable for the smooth - running of a free - market and / or capitalist society . According to Alan Greenspan, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank, "...Enhancing elementary and secondary school sensitivity to market forces should help restore the balance between the demand for and the supply of skilled workers in the United States ." </P> <P> Generally, however, individual skilled workers are more valued to a given company than individual non-skilled workers, as skilled workers tend to be more difficult to replace . As a result, skilled workers tend to demand more in the way of financial compensation because of their efforts . According to Greenspan, corporate managers are willing to bid up pay packages to acquire skilled workers as they identify the lack of skilled labor as one of today's greatest problems . </P> <P> Education can be received in a variety of manners, and is acknowledged through various means . Below is a sampling of educational conventions . </P> <Ul> <Li> On - the - job training - (Examples: cashier, fashion model, farmhand, office clerk, salesperson, truck driver, waitperson) </Li> <Li> Apprenticeship - (Examples: carpenter, electrician, mason, mechanic, plumber, technician, welder) </Li> <Li> Vocational certification - (Examples: chef, cosmetologist, dental assistant, paralegal) </Li> <Li> Associate Degree - (Examples: commercial artist, draftsman, licensed practical nurse) </Li> <Li> Higher Apprenticeship - (Examples: Chartered Engineer, Chartered Accountant, Management Consultant, Lawyer) </Li> <Li> Undergraduate Degree - (Examples: accountant, teacher, registered nurse, software developer) </Li> <Li> Professional Degree - (Examples: architect, dentist, engineer, lawyer, medical doctor) </Li> <Li> Graduate Degree - (Examples: astronaut, mathematician, nurse practitioner, scientist, university professor) </Li> </Ul>

Skilled vs unskilled labor in the early 20th century