Abstract
This work studied the retraining of professional builders in the
Nigerian construction industry. The study identified the key
areas of professional practices of a builder, the skills and
competencies required by professional builder, the means of
developing professional builders for continuous improvement
and benefits of continuing professional development for a
professional builder. A survey research method was adopted
after a literature search has been done on the subject. A total
of forty (40) questionnaires were distributed by hand to
professional builders in various areas of practice in Enugu
and Anambra State. A 100% questionnaire response was
achieved. Data obtained from the questionnaire were
presented and analyzed using frequency tables and
percentages. Quantitative and descriptive analysis were also
done, while mean score index was used to find the mean score
values of the responses of the respondents based on five (5)
point likert scale. The result was used
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY.
The act of Building can be traced back to the biblical
creations. The professionalization of Building materialized
when the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) was
established in UK in 1934. Over a century later, specifically
in1967, the profession of Building was inaugurated in Nigeria
by the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), as the first
Oversea centre of the UK Chartered Institute of Building
(CIOB). However, the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB)
gained its autonomy from the CIOB in May, 1970. After many
years of successful and recognized activities, the Institute
gained its statutory backing of the profession by obtaining the
Builders (Registration, etc). Degree No. 45 of 1989 (now Act
Cap B13, LFN, 2004), from the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The scope of training a professional builder and the
study of building programme is contained under the current
minimum education standard approved by the National
University Commission (NUC) and Nigeria Institute of Building
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(NIOB) and Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria
(CORBON) guidelines.
The need for retraining of professional builders is
occasioned as a result of constant change in technology,
practice and management of building production and
construction industry in general. In response to this,
Ademoroti (1997) sees the need to establish a culture of
learning through study and experience, self improvement and
commitment to enhance the building industry’s products and
services. When counted the numerous importance of
construction industry to the nations economy (Wahab, 2005,
Akanni, 2001, Husseini, 1991), one will see the need for
adequate training and retraining of professional builders in
the construction industry.
According to Kontagora (1991), the failure of the
construction in this country including the professions,
depends on their education and training of all levels, if
contracting is to gain prestige and build up a properly trained
labour force. He further suggested that an area that should be
examined is the issue of continuing professional development
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(CPD) which should now becomes the focus in the
construction industry. Then to keep abreast of new
developments in technology and management and also
broaden the knowledge of building professionals, a mix of
work experience, and continuing education and training is of
utmost importance.
1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
According to Obiegbu (2001), human resources for the
construction industry appear in many varieties, styles, sizes
and other attributes; some are of professional status; some
technical; while others are skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled.
Any attempt to neglect the development and continuous
existence of any of these is detrimental to the overall success
of construction industry.
The Nigeria today construction industry has been
regarded as an avenue for human tragedies and losses. The
sequential incessant of building collapse all over the nation,
the poor quality of building works, the high rate of litigation
and increasingly clients dissatisfaction all are evidence of
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technological and managerial mismatch in the construction
industry.
Vishwakarma (2008) observed that due to globalizing
economy, students pursuing technical degree programs
including those related to competence in construction
industry, may not be adequately educated to meet the demand
that will be expected out of their profession during the next
decade in the on going changing scenario worldwide.
Wahab (2005) and Ogunbiyi (2004) noted that Nigerian
construction industry is being dominated by foreign players,
leaving the ingenuous contractors with virtually nothing. This
can be attributed to technological and managerial deficiency of
the Nigerian construction professionals. It is on this premise
that the construction industry council in 2006, acknowledge
and provides the guidance on continuing professional
Development (CPD) for individual professionals. Their
employers, and the professional Institutions in the
construction industry, hence the need for retraining of
building professionals in the Nigerian construction industry.
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1.3 RESEARCH AIM AND OBJECTIVES
The sole aim of this research work is to find out the need
for retraining of professional builders in the Nigerian
construction industry. In the course of this study, the
following objectives are expected to be met.
1. To find our core areas of practice of professional
builders.
2. To find out the areas/skills in which professional
builders are in dare need of retraining and updating.
3. To determine the workable processes or means of
retraining professional builders.
4. To determine the benefits of retraining professional
builders on construction industry
1.4 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY.
This study covers only the ambit of the professional
builders’ practices in the construction industry. It does not in
any way cover other professionals in the building or
construction industry but can only highlight such where
necessary. It is concentrated on the area of training and
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retraining of a professional builder. The study is carried out
on professional builders in Enugu State and Anambra State.
Major challenges faced in the course of this study include:
? Risk in touring between the two states.
? Locating the builders in their offices and places of work.
? Delay in responding to the questionnaire distributed by
the respondents.
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY.
Nigeria is currently experiencing transformational
changes in the management and technologies of construction.
There is no doubt therefore, the significance of this study. The
result of this study is of great value in many ways and
dimensions.
For the building profession, it will be a lead way into the
areas that required urgent attention in order to meet the ever
challenging global environment in the construction industry.
The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) and Council of
Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) will find this study of
immeasurable value for the training and retraining of their
members.
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The construction industry will be a beneficiary in the
sense that it will identify areas and subsequent means of
averting various problems in the industry relating to
competencies and skills.
The result of this research if appropriately applied will
reduce the constant collapse of building in Nigeria and
increase the utilization of indigenous building professionals in
the Nigerian Construction Industry.
1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONS.
The following research questions will guide this study.
(a) What are the core practice areas of a professional
builder?
(b) What are the skills and competencies required by a
professional builder?
(c) What are the means or processes to be adopted in
retraining professional builders?
(d) What are the benefits of retraining professional builders
in the construction industry?