Manpower development framework for Ethiopian construction industry

Manpower development is one of the key elements for construction industry development and effective manpower development requires concerted effort of different stakeholders. This paper assesses the improvement requirements in manpower development practices in Ethiopian construction industry focusing on the role of government, academic institutes and industry organizations. Factors affecting manpower development were identified through literature review and a framework for manpower development was proposed. Questionnaire survey was used to obtain the perception of professionals on manpower development practices. Improvement requirement levels were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale and one-sample T-test was conducted to identify significance of the improvement requirements. In addition to the questionnaire, curricula of three under graduate construction programs and professionals registration directives were reviewed. The findings indicate current manpower development practices require improvement. Based on implications of the findings and in reference with the proposed framework, improvement suggestions are given to enhance manpower development practices for development of the industry.