�EDUCATION AND TRAINING �OF �CONSTRUCTION PERSONNEL

Dr Adewale Abimbola, FHEA, GMICE.

www.edulibrary.co.uk

AIM & OBJECTIVES

Aim:

• Education and Training of Construction Personnel.

Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

• Identify the different construction personnel in the sector.
• Discuss the training and education in the construction industry.

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LO3: P7

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

• "Training" and "education" are often used broadly to describe various methods of enhancing job skills.
• Education may involve learning a fixed syllabus or shaping an individual's outlook through varied experiences.
• Training usually refers to specific, definable tasks or jobs and is job-centred, while education is person-centred.
• Training objectives are typically short-term, while educational objectives are long-term.
• Both education and training are concerned with human development, often overlapping.
• Training Needs Analysis tracks training and skill levels within an organization.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

• Employers have a legal duty to train, educate and provide instructions for operatives to operate safe systems of work in the workplace.
• This may involve training courses for specific pieces of equipment and plant. It also covers the use of construction materials.
• HASWA 1974 requires that employers must train and educate all operatives to ensure that they are competent in their work activities on a construction site.
• CSCS cards provide employers with a means to certify that individuals working on construction sites have the required qualifications and training (including health and safety awareness) for the job they do on site.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

• CDM 2015 puts less emphasis on competence that previous versions of CDM.
• Regulation 8 states that anyone appointing a contractor must ensure that they have received necessary information, instruction and training, and has appropriate supervision. In practice, this may mean that the person or organisation appointing these workers performs a training needs assessment.
• Training can be conducted on site or off site depending on whether it is a practical operation or requires theoretical knowledge.
• A simple toolbox talk may suffice. All records must be kept in event of an accident investigation.
• Offsite training is often provided by specialist contractors who are certified to deliver this specific training.
• The Industrial Training Act of 1964 pressured firms to undertake staff development.
• CITB works to improve training quality and effectiveness in the construction industry.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

Types of Training Programmes

• Apprenticeships:
• Structured programs combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
• Vocational Education:
• Formal education programs providing specific skills and knowledge for construction trades.
• Safety Training:
• Focus on safety protocols and procedures to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Technology Training:
• Keeping workers updated on the latest construction technologies and tools.

Construction Education Paths

• Trade Schools:
• Specialised institutions offering training for specific construction trades.
• Community Colleges:
• Associate degree programs providing a broader understanding of construction management and technology.
• University Programmes:
• Bachelor's and advanced degrees for construction management, engineering, and related fields.

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• Qualifications, Training, and Accreditations
• Experience will always be a key requirement when applying for jobs, but health and safety practitioners need to be able to learn these skills from somewhere.
• Traditionally, there have been two routes into health and safety:
• Exam-based qualifications (HNC, HND and degrees)
• Evidence-based National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ)

Qualifications, Training, and Accreditations

Training and accreditations (such as the CSCS card scheme and apprenticeships) have embedded health and safety into the practical and theoretical application of work.

Some accreditations are often required to work in the construction industry. These will depend on the role you play within the project team:

CITB CSCS Card; SMSTS; NEBOSH; etc.

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TRAINING AND EDUCATION – IMPORTANCE/BENEFITS

• Enhanced Safety:
• Proper training reduces accidents and injuries on construction sites, creating a safer working environment for all workers.
• Increased Productivity:
• Well-trained workers are more efficient, leading to increased productivity and smoother workflows in construction projects.
• Quality Workmanship:
• Training ensures a high standard of work. Skilled workers produce work that meets or exceeds industry standards.
• Adaptation to Technology:
• Ongoing education allows workers to stay current with technological advancements in construction, fostering a technologically competent workforce.

• Code and Regulation Compliance:
• Regular training keeps professionals informed about changes in building codes, safety regulations, and industry standards, ensuring compliance and quality assurance.
• Career Advancement:
• Certifications and additional skills open doors to higher-level positions within the industry.
• Specialised Roles:
• Specialised training prepares workers for roles such as project management, green building practices, and safety supervision, thus contributing to a well-rounded workforce.
• Sustainable Construction Practices:
• Training in sustainable construction practices help to promote eco-friendly building methods and contributing to the industry's commitment to sustainability.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION – IMPORTANCE/BENEFITS

• Industry Standardisation:
• Training programs contribute to standardisation within the industry by providing a common set of skills, practices, and knowledge, fostering a shared understanding among professionals.
• Reduced Turnover:
• Investing in the training and education of employees can lead to higher job satisfaction, reducing turnover rates and retaining experienced, skilled workers.
• Innovation and Creativity:
• Continuous learning fosters innovation and creativity within the construction industry. Workers with diverse skills contribute to problem-solving and the development of innovative solutions.

• Soft Skills Emphasis:
• Training programs are increasingly recognising the importance of soft skills, such as communication and leadership, alongside technical expertise, creating well-rounded professionals.
• Industry Reputation:
• A commitment to training and education enhances the overall reputation of the construction industry. Clients and stakeholders are more likely to trust and invest in a workforce that prioritises skill development.
• Risk Management:
• Educated and trained professionals are better equipped to identify and mitigate risks, reducing the likelihood of costly errors or project delays.

SELF-ASSESSMENT TASK

• Discuss the education and training needs of a range of different construction personnel.
• Hint: Identify at least any THREE construction personnel (site manager, site engineer, site supervisor, quantity surveyor, general foreman, site inspector, etc). Then, discuss their education and training needs.

REFERENCES/BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Health and Safety Executives (n.d.) Provision and use of work equipment regulations 1998 (PUWER). Available at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/puwer.htm (Accessed: 07 October 2023)
• March, C. (2009) Operations management for construction. London: Spons Press.
• Pearson (2017) BTEC national construction student book. London: Pearson.
• Penny Hydraulics Ltd (2023) PUWER regulations in a nutshell. Available at: https://pennyhydraulics.com/help-guides/puwer-regulations-in-a-nutshell/#:~:text=PUWER%20does%20not%20apply%20directly,been%20provided%20by%20their%20employer. (Accessed: 07 October 2023)

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