Strategies for Attracting More Construction-Trained Graduates to Take Professional Jobs in the Construction Industry

Abstract

The construction industry is likely to face a manpower leakage should graduates with construction-related degrees choose not to enter it at graduation. The aim of this research is to craft strategies to reduce such leakage to the educational pipeline so that more construction-trained graduates will be attracted to professional construction jobs. Using three sets of specially designed questionnaires, data were collected from undergraduates in construction-related courses (construction students) (Survey 1); construction professionals (Survey 2); and professionals working outside the construction industry (nonconstruction professionals) (Survey 3). It was found that almost half of the construction students were unlikely to enter the industry, indicating a serious leakage to the educational pipeline. The two groups of professionals were compared to find out if there was any significant difference in their work satisfaction. The results show that both groups were significantly satisfied with their jobs, working hours, and work-life balance. There was also a similar level of job satisfaction, indicating that construction professionals are not significantly worse off than professionals working in other industries. Construction students who reported being unlikely to join the construction industry were significantly discouraged by the following: low salaries compared with other industries, mentally and physically challenging and dirty work environment, lack of job security, and long working hours with no work-life balance. Nonconstruction professionals reported not choosing a job in the industry because of long working hours and a working environment seen as dirty, dangerous, noisy, damaging to health, and suitable for males only. Recommendations on how to attract more professionals to the construction industry include up-skilling construction jobs, improving site management, improving work-life balance, arousing students’ interest, offering adequate remuneration, enhancing job security, and providing better staff welfare. It is suggested that construction work be redesigned so that, for example, advanced equipment and information technology can be harnessed to handle the more tedious and laborious aspects of work.