Craft Training Issues in American Industrial and Commercial Construction
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 134, Issue 10
Abstract
The construction industry relies on skilled craft workers supplied through various training programs. Based on a nationwide survey of industry experts regarding craft training programs, this paper examines the current state and effectiveness of construction craft training via 93 respondents from a wide range of U.S. industrial and commercial construction firms and associated craft training centers. The study’s survey data allowed the writers to examine the major issues regarding craft training, such as the relative importance of basic core topics, training completion rates, the relation between trades’ engagement and training, and the barriers of advancing craft training in construction. The paper also uses the experts’ responses to estimate the benefits of craft training on productivity, turnover, absenteeism, safety, and rework. Various statistical methods are used to support the analysis. Problems are identified in craft training among the training programs examined and potential solutions for improving craft training effectiveness are suggested.
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Acknowledgments
The writers thank the Construction Industry Institute, the National Center for Construction Education and Research, and the Construction Users Roundtable for funding this research, along with the numerous affiliated companies and individuals who participated in the research.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 134 • Issue 10 • October 2008
Pages: 795 - 803
Copyright
© 2008 ASCE.
History
Received: Nov 21, 2007
Accepted: Mar 3, 2008
Published online: Oct 1, 2008
Published in print: Oct 2008
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