BLUE COLLAR WORKERS WANTED: Could there be a shortage of blue-collar labour?

Between 2004 and 2014, there will be 40 million job openings for workers without a bachelor's degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's more than twice the number of jobs for people graduating from four-year colleges and universities.

That's something guidance counsellors aren't telling those frantically competing for entrance into America's best schools, says Joe Lamacchia, author of the recently published book "Blue Collar & Proud of It".

"Blue collar means skilled individuals who make the world go around," said Lamacchia, who owns a landscaping company in Newton, Massachusetts. "We're talking about people who are there to fix the plumbing, the leaks, and the wiring when it's broken."

Masons, electricians, loggers, fishermen and car mechanics were interviewed for the book, which Lamacchia said he was driven to write because he wants people to take pride in what they do, even if they didn't go to college.

"These are jobs and careers that take years to master," Lamacchia said. "Just the way you can't become a doctor overnight, you won't become an ironworker by signing a piece of paper. It's hard, rewarding work."

Lamacchia suggests these offbeat blue-collar jobs:

— Underwater welder

— Organic seed farmer

— Tugboat pilot

— Butcher

— Boat builder

— Taxi or limo driver

RUMMAGE SALES: Record unemployment rates and tight family budgets may mean heavy traffic at your yard sale this summer.

Atlanta-based Consumer Credit Counselling Service gives these tips for hosting a rummage sale:

— Choose a date. Avoid holiday weekends, and make sure it's approved by your homeowners' association or local government. Some neighbourhoods designate a specific weekend or two each year and do not allow yard sales at any other time.

— Recruit your neighbours. A multi-family yard sale has advantages, like shared advertising costs and efforts.

— Get the word out. Use signs and local advertising, and be descriptive about some key items you have — if you have tons of children's items or furniture, for example.