Addressing the construction labour market skills mismatch through lifelong learning in higher education institutions

Siriwardena, ML; Amaratunga, RDG; Malalgoda, CI; Thayaparan, M

Abstract

The mismatch between graduate skills and labour market skills requirements has been
identified as one of the main factors behind graduate unemployment and employer
dissatisfaction, particularly in the Built Environment sector. Higher Education Institutes
(HEIs), despite being a body for knowledge creation and sharing, do not seem to adequately
address this mismatch. Built Environment Lifelong Learning Challenging University
Responses to Vocational Education (BELLCURVE) collaborative research project aims to
identify the ways to reform the HEIs in order to make them more responsive to the labour
market skills requirements and in turn to reduce the mismatch. This conceptual paper
discusses the changing nature of the construction labour market skills requirements. The
conceptual framework governing the research project and the research methodology are
presented. The role of BE professionals in addressing such requirements are also discussed
giving particular focus on professionals attached to disaster management and quantity
surveying sectors. Disaster management (context base sector) and quantity surveying (trade
base sector) have been identified by the project as two specific sectors to be focused in
promoting the lifelong learning due to the constantly changing knowledge and skill base of
these sectors. The responsiveness of HEIs to minimise the mismatch and to support the
lifelong learning through governance reform is explained.

Citation

Siriwardena, M., Amaratunga, R., Malalgoda, C., & Thayaparan, M. Addressing the construction labour market skills mismatch through lifelong learning in higher education institutions. Presented at Education in a Changing Environment 6th International Conference, Creativity and Engagement in Higher Education, The University of Salford, UK

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: Education in a Changing Environment 6th International Conference, Creativity and Engagement in Higher Education
• Conference Location: The University of Salford, UK
• End Date: Jul 8, 2011
• Deposit Date: Jul 29, 2011
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 5, 2016
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference