Operationalization of Desirable Skill Sets in Novice Construction Professionals: Fid-Bau Portal

Operationalization of Desirable Skill Sets in Novice Construction Professionals

Agyemang Daniel, Yamoah / Fong, Patrick S. W. / Ernest, Kissi

Employability in any field, and especially in construction, is enhanced by the right amount of skill sets, competences, and attributes. However, today there exist notable skill gaps between students’ preparation and industry requirements. This study therefore seeks to address the perceived importance and expectancy gap of skill sets for new entrants in the construction industry to increase their employability. Effects of the backgrounds of both respondents, i.e., professionals and students, on the perceptions of desirable skill sets were also examined. Seventy-two different skill sets, identified through a comprehensive review of literature, were assessed based on responses from a questionnaire survey. Through MANOVA and independent t-test, empirical analysis was conducted to reveal substantial dissimilarities in the perceptions of practitioners and students. However, irrespective of the level of experience and gender, industry practitioners’ responses shown no differences with regards to perceived importance of desirable skill sets. Similarly, regardless of gender, students showed similarities in their responses while examining effects of their backgrounds. The findings are crucial to academic institutions trying to re-examine the development of curricula to incorporate desirable skill sets from the perspectives of students and practitioners. Similarly, the means of imparting the identified desirable skills for enhancing employability in students by academia needs amendment.