THE AWARENESS OF CONSTRUCTION CRAFTSMEN TO BODIES REGULATING CRAFT-SKILL IN ZARIA AND KADUNA

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Date
2012
Authors
DODO, M. MUHAMMAD, M.Z.
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Abstract
It is universally accepted that the construction industry covers half of fixed capital accumulation and it accounts for about 50% of fixed capital products in Nigeria. Current shortages of skilled manpower are posing challenges of coping with full workload for construction firms. Also, the diversification of craft occupations has increased the challenges of skilled workforce training. Tlie governments inadequate emphasis on technical education, inadequate regulatory organs and poor awareness to the existing ones suggest grave barriers to the industry^ attainment of its objectives and obligations. This paper examined tlie training and regulation of construction craftsmen in Nigeria. Convenience sampling was employed wliere 120 questionnaires were distributed to three trade types (masons, carpenters and iron fixers) on nine construction sites within Zaria and Kaduna metropolis. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse data collected. With a return rate of 93 %, 67% of the respondents had not undergone any retraining after tlieir initial basic training. 60% of tlie respondents were aware of any crafts union and regulatory body. This suggests a serious deficit in the continual supply of skilled workforce. This paper concludes that the unwillingness to improve on the trade knowledgebase by Nigerian craftsmen is responsible for the influx of foreign craftsmen. It recommends that the government and the industry must encourage craftsmen to affiliate themselves with relevant trade organs or professional bodies. Furthermore, sensitisation mechanisms mustbe devised for the dex>elopmentoftlxe construction trades.
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Department of Building, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria