Employers’ Perception of Graduates With Entry-level Technical Skills From Construction Industry Programs in Ghana and Nigeria
Location
Hamilton A
Proposal Track
Research Project
Session Format
Presentation
Abstract
EMPLOYERS’ PERCEPTION OF GRADUATES WITH ENTRY-LEVEL TECHNICAL SKILLS FROM CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY PROGRAMS IN GHANA AND NIGERIA
Philip Acheampong
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this comparative study was to identify the technical skills and abilities needed by prospective employees of construction industries in Ghana and Nigeria. Potential employees were defined here as recent graduates of construction industry programs with entry-level technical skills. The continuous growth and expansion of these two countries’ construction industries have led to exponential growth in positions that require certain technical skills in the workforce—finding workers with the requisite skills remains a major challenge for employers in Ghana and Nigeria. Employers have expressed concerns about the lack of adequately trained graduates and feel that educational institutions are not producing graduates with skills that match these industries’ needs.
Three research questions were developed based on employers’ statements about needs, expectations and experiences. This information was utilized in examining employers’ perceptions of recent applicants for positions in the construction industries in Ghana and Nigeria. The methodological design for this study was quantitative in nature and based on a survey instrument developed and used to collect data; a literature review provided secondary information. The target population included human resource and related administrators at construction industries, and professionals in construction industry programs. The sites for this study included Ghana and Nigeria. The survey was administered to 112 participants, 58 of whom were from Ghana and 54 from Nigeria. Findings revealed differences with broad national and international implications for practice and training.
Keywords
Employers perception; Technical skill; Workforce development; Technical education
Recommended Citation
Acheampong, Philip, "Employers’ Perception of Graduates With Entry-level Technical Skills From Construction Industry Programs in Ghana and Nigeria" (2017). Georgia Educational Research Association Conference. 43.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/gera/2017/2017/43
Employers’ Perception of Graduates With Entry-level Technical Skills From Construction Industry Programs in Ghana and Nigeria
Hamilton A
EMPLOYERS’ PERCEPTION OF GRADUATES WITH ENTRY-LEVEL TECHNICAL SKILLS FROM CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY PROGRAMS IN GHANA AND NIGERIA
Philip Acheampong
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this comparative study was to identify the technical skills and abilities needed by prospective employees of construction industries in Ghana and Nigeria. Potential employees were defined here as recent graduates of construction industry programs with entry-level technical skills. The continuous growth and expansion of these two countries’ construction industries have led to exponential growth in positions that require certain technical skills in the workforce—finding workers with the requisite skills remains a major challenge for employers in Ghana and Nigeria. Employers have expressed concerns about the lack of adequately trained graduates and feel that educational institutions are not producing graduates with skills that match these industries’ needs.
Three research questions were developed based on employers’ statements about needs, expectations and experiences. This information was utilized in examining employers’ perceptions of recent applicants for positions in the construction industries in Ghana and Nigeria. The methodological design for this study was quantitative in nature and based on a survey instrument developed and used to collect data; a literature review provided secondary information. The target population included human resource and related administrators at construction industries, and professionals in construction industry programs. The sites for this study included Ghana and Nigeria. The survey was administered to 112 participants, 58 of whom were from Ghana and 54 from Nigeria. Findings revealed differences with broad national and international implications for practice and training.
