From informal dreams to formal realities: can it be a new-collar empowerment?

Purpose This study investigates the factors that influence workers’ transition from informal to formal employment. It aims to understand the behavioural patterns, motivations and skill gaps contributing to this transition. Design/methodology/approach The study employed a qualitative design, utilising semi-structured interviews with 46 respondents across two phases. The first phase involved interviews with 29 young professionals who had recently adopted new-collar jobs. The second phase included interviews with 17 trainers from multiple industries. Findings The study revealed that individuals are more likely to transition from informal to formal employment when seeking financial stability, a better career and a sense of purpose. However, many people who make this change lack the skills to succeed. They must also collaborate with businesses to ensure their programs effectively convey the correct information. Research limitations/implications The research involved a small number of participants from various sectors. Additionally, the study employed qualitative methods, with findings based on people’s opinions and experiences. Future research may use quantitative methods to collect data that can be measured and analysed. Practical implications This study demonstrates pathways to vocational training programs towards advancement in career choice. This training can help people get the skills they need for career advancement. Social implications This study identifies pathways to vocational training programs that facilitate career advancement. This training can help individuals acquire the skills necessary for career advancement. Originality/value This research aims to explore the transition from informal to formal employment. It also demonstrates how vocational training programs can be enhanced to enable more people to secure decent jobs. It presents the concept of new-collar empowerment to conceptualise how digitally mediated professional routes can change the access of selected informal labourers to decent work, in an existing narrative of informal-formal transition.