Professional Development in Heavy Construction

A planned development program is necessary to prepare personnel for the management challenges of current generation construction projects. In describing each of these areas, potential programs are also identified. Personnel selection criteria, orientation and initial training, and early job assignments are first described. Means of performance evaluation and potential assessment for increased responsibility are reviewed. Intermediate assignments are then described and examples given to illustrate the diverse experience which is essential to support professional development. The essential areas of experience identified are resident engineering, craft supervision, contract management, project control and quality control. Needs for professional development training programs to cover such subjects as labor relations, contract administration and management development are defined. In the conclusions and practical applications section, management responsibility for a planned professional development program is emphasized. Training is declared important; however, progression through a series of varied assignments is critical.