A guiding model for developing construction training programmes focusing on productivity and performance improvement for different qualification levels

Abstract

Purpose The effectiveness of the construction industry highly depends on the quality of the work practices, education and training. Based on the industry’s need to strengthen the productivity and performance improvement scopes in the construction education/training practices, this study aims to develop a guiding tool for designing new training programmes in different qualification levels considering the industry’s near-future challenges. Design/methodology/approach The study methodology encompassed literature reviews, experts’ discussions/reviews and problem-based communication approaches with qualitative methods to obtain a set of expected competency outcomes (COs) for each qualification level. The necessary mapping frameworks were used to display the cross section of each CO. Findings The study has presented a guiding model comprising three categories of qualification levels, where each consists of 12 COs with the mapping outcomes against learning domains of a conceptual framework. The guiding model also displays the detailed steps to develop detailed curriculums for different qualification levels of training. Research limitations/implications Though the scope of the study was limited to the Sri Lankan context, the findings can be beneficial to many other countries in similar scenarios. Practical implications Overall study outcomes are expected to make an impact on the industry’s reskilling and upskilling practices resulting in a considerable level of improvement in the quality and productivity of work operations. Originality/value The experts’ reviews highlight the developed model as a valuable tool that provides a platform for upgrading the construction education and training practices based on the industry’s near-future circumstances in productivity and performance improvement practices, also revealing its future influences in training accreditation processes.