Construction: lacking the X-Factor? (CJ Construction Blog)

Construction: lacking the X-Factor?

What did you want to do when you were 14 years old? Did you know that you definitely wanted a career in the construction industry? Or were you too busy wishing you could become a professional footballer, a popstar or a top designer?

At 14, the world is still your oyster, and it seems that anything is possible. The X-Factor, Big Brother and all those other reality shows make it seem like a world of fame and fortune is within easy reach. Perhaps that is one reason why the new Construction Diploma has had a lower uptake than the industry had hoped. At one college, only 25% of available places have been filled, and other college-industry consortia are reporting similar issues.

Maybe the world of construction just isn't appealing enough to potential students - and maybe we, as an industry, aren't doing a good enough job of selling ourselves. Current headlines about the state of the economy and construction are hardly likely to see parents encourage their offspring into construction either.

Whatever happens, it would be a shame if these diplomas were to fall by the wayside in the first year of their existence. Let's hope there is a last-minute burst of enthusiasm from potential students - if there isn't, it is clearly a case for going back to the drawing board.

Comments (5)

Duane Craig:

There could be a case made for the kind of diplomas construction needs. And that probably applies to many other lines of work. Have we over sold college at the expense of vocational school? The Dutch http://www.openeducation.net/2008/05/14/the-netherlands-a-proper-emphasis-on-vocational-education/ have an interesting view on this. I suspect the answers to construction’s workforce problems are all around us. It’s just a matter of creating opportunities for people to find what they really like to do and providing the learning scenarios that fit their dreams.

Posted by Duane Craig | May 28, 2008 8:28 PM

Posted on May 28, 2008 20:28

construction company CA:

I agree with Duanne!

Posted by construction company CA | June 11, 2008 9:41 PM

Posted on June 11, 2008 21:41

construction company CA:

I totally agree with Duanne!

Posted by construction company CA | June 11, 2008 9:42 PM

Posted on June 11, 2008 21:42

general contractor in Los Angeles:

Nobody had ever wanted to become a construction worker coz it is a laborious job.