The development of a training program for foremen in the construction industry, aligned with the National Qualification framework

Abstract

This study is about the development of a training model for foremen in the construction sector. It is important since the sector is growing rapidly, a critical shortage of skills exists and at the same time major changes occurred in terms of training and development, labour market trends and the prevalence of HIV/Aids. The changes in labour market trends refer to the casualisation of employment where most of the trade skills work on large construction projects is outsourced to sub-contractors. This makes the role of foremen of critical importance. The purpose of the study is to develop a training program for foremen in the construction industry, aligned with the National Qualification Framework. The research is a qualitative exploratory study using mixed methods. The research includes a literature study into training and the needs assessment process and an investigation into the new legislative environment in South Africa. The investigation then considers local and international construction training. The practical study is carried out by doing a comprehensive assessment of the training needs of foremen working for Group Five Building and then those needs are link to qualifications, unit standards and short courses registered within the National Qualification Framework as training interventions to develop foremen. The study found that foremen in the construction sector are aging rapidly with few new entrants. The training of foremen is almost non-existent with no well recognized training program in place. The qualification registered with the South African Qualifications Authority for this purpose does not meet the requirements if actual training needs of foremen. As a result of the study, a training program for foremen aligned with the National Qualification Framework were developed and 28 trainee foremen working for Group Five Building are being trained on the specific program.