Training artisans on-site

The decline in apprenticeship in both the public and private sectors, the increasing use of sub- contractors as well as the uncoordinated approach in the informal sector are contributing factors to the shortage of skilled artisans in the construction industry. Artisans' training can be introduced and implemented through the adoption of progressive implementation of construction processes commencing work from areas with low skills requirements to areas of high skills demand. The success of this principle hinges on the collaborative effort of the key project stakeholders. The client should be willing to absorb extra cost and delays in the project; the design and contract documentation should facilitate on-site training, and consultants actively guide the contractor and the construction processes to achieve training objectives. The exploratory research method was adopted in this study and research revealed that this principle was used in a project in the UK and in the development of infrastructure for the tourism industry of South Africa. It is recommended that the principle be adapted by the public sector for the development of small size infrastructures that can be repeated in many places. This will boost the quality and quantity of artisans, enhance employability, reduce rural urban migration and alleviate poverty.