Investigation into Contractors Craftsmen Training in the Nigerian Construction Industry

Abstract

Despite the strategic importance of the construction industry, projects fail in Nigeria due to poor contractors’ performance. In strategic terms, the understanding of the customer’s needs and values is crucial where organisations seek to differentiate themselves from their competitors. In accomplishing his roles the contractor coordinates and directs his craftsmen who contribute skillfully with their hands in the practical realization of a project. The study therefore aims at investigating the contractors’ craftsmen training trends base on age groups and trades in the Nigerian construction industry. The study uses contextual and descriptive survey method, a total of 400 structured questionnaires were distributed randomly in four stratified sample locations in the north-central geopolitical zone of Nigeria to Contractors’ craftsmen and attain a response rate of 55.25%. The chi-square statistics used at 5% level of significance to test the research proposition shows an agreement within the respondent. The data collected were analyzed and presented on a line graph and bar chart. Findings revealed that training of craftsmen in the Nigerian construction industry has never been adequate; moreover it is falling among the younger age-groups. The study recommends that: contractors should invest more on craftsmen training to attain high return on investment and; government, a major client to the industry should invest more on training; make policies that will address training needs and; enforce the use of trained craftsmen in the industry and, all should be geared towards attaining international best practices.