Osuizugbo, I C; Kukoyi, P O; Abisuga, A O and Ibrahim, K (2023) Choosing to be a craftsperson: Factors influencing career decision-making among apprentices. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 30(5), pp. 2026-2047. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: Human resource contributes significantly to the outcome of construction projects. In recent years, apprenticeship programs are being implemented to train young people to address shortage of skills workers and ageing workforce problem. This study aims to understand the factors influencing career decisions among apprentices in the construction sector. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative research approach was used to address the objectives of the study. Forty semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain insights into the reason why young people decide to participate in construction craftsperson apprenticeship in Nigeria. Findings: The study reveals that “interest and passion”, “role model”, “macroeconomic environment and government policies”, “spirit of entrepreneurship”, “formal, informal and non-formal education” and “family socioeconomic status” are the factors influencing career decisions among construction craftspeople. Originality/value: The study provides fresh insights that can be used to develop strategies for attracting and increasing the number of young people that sign up for construction craftspeople apprenticeships. The apprentice training programmes are essential for addressing labour shortage, which is one of the factors affecting the performance of construction projects.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | apprenticeship; career choice; construction industry; craftsperson; Nigeria; workforce |
| Index terms: | government policy, entrepreneurship, labour shortage, construction industry, role model, Nigeria, human resource, program, construction project, qualitative research, decision-making, methodology, apprenticeship, career, construction sector, interview, strategy, programme |
| Subjects: | project controls, decision analysis, sociology, professional education, industry analysis, management, economics, research methods, software systems, Geography, production management, professional development, public policy, data collection methods, research design and methodology, business |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Human Resources, Supply Chain Management, Time Control, Education, Business Strategy, Project Management, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Information Management, Roles and Professions, Risk Management, Governance |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here