Model of Career Choice for Craftworkers

Abstract

A study was conducted to examine the problems created by the mismatch between supply and demand for construction craftworkers. The paper identifies that the supply and demand varies greatly by geographic region and should be analyzed by region. This paper presents the factors and a model of the influence of these factors on the career‐choice decisions for the construction industry. The paper reviews the public perceptions of the construction industry and the demographics of the U.S. construction industry. The factors that affect decision making at the total work‐force level leading or deterring an individual to or from a construction career include individual perceptions, family perceptions, wages, weather, the industry structure, family relations, overall industry image, and the individual's educational system. The model represents a first attempt to explain the prevailing paradigm under which the construction industry is able to attract new entrants. Several recommendations for future extensions to the current work are made.