RETRAINING OF PROFESSIONAL BUILDERS IN THE NIGERIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY 

RETRAINING OF PROFESSIONAL BUILDERS IN THE NIGERIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY 

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 to evaluate the answers to the research questions and objectives. It was found that professional builders have the capacities to practice in variety of areas and required as many skills as possible to function well. The study also revealed that continuing professional development of builders is very important for the development skills and knowledge and improvement of their professionalism. Workshops, seminars, conferences and short term course identified as some means of CPD. Finally, there is a need for continuous improvement and updating of professional builder knowledge and skills through CPD so as to meet the current challenges of the construction environment. Professional bodies (NIOB) and (CORBON) should make CPD compulsory for all their members and find a way of monitoring their members CPD programmes as CPD has uncountable benefits to all stakeholders in the industry.

Keywords: Continuing Professional Development (CPD), Professional Builder, Nigeria Construction Industry.