Daniel, E I; Oshodi, O S and Odediran, S (2024) An exploration of construction craftspeople apprentice training: Evidence from the UK. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 20(2), pp. 218-240. ISSN 15578771
Abstract
Today, demographic data shows that the workforce in the construction sector is aging. The prevalence of injuries, such as musculoskeletal problems, and low labor productivity have been linked to the aging construction workforce. To improve the supply of young workers to the industry, stakeholders, i.e. government and the private sector, are investing in construction craftspeople apprenticeship programmes. These programmes address two keys issues: (i) provide training to young workers for construction jobs and (ii) reduction in youth unemployment. This qualitative study explored the practice of mentoring during construction craftspeople apprenticeship within the UK. Eighteen people who are involved in the various stages of apprentice training were interviewed about mentoring practice. The data was transcribed and qualitatively analyzed. The data highlights the prevalence of informal mentoring of proteges during the period of craftspeople apprenticeship. Lack of structured mentoring programme and inadequate support from mentors were identified as the main barriers to effective mentoring. Also, building strong relationship, patience, vast industry experience and good communication skills are attributes of effective mentors. The study concludes by providing insights into its theoretical contributions and practical implications for vocational training and the construction sector.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | apprenticeship; construction craftspeople; mentoring; UK; workforce; interview |
| Index terms: | programme, injury, vocational training, interview, mentoring, unemployment, construction sector, evidence, apprenticeship, exploration, mentors, qualitative study, private sector, communication skill, labour productivity |
| Subjects: | management, professional development, project controls, professional education, health conditions and diseases, industry analysis, data collection methods, evaluation and assessment methods, research design and methodology, practitioner, environmental resource management, training, economic analysis |
| Topics: | Roles and Professions, Sustainability, Health and Safety, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Site Management, Organizational Design, Education, Time Control, Human Resources |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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