The nature, types and standards of training policy for site operatives by local building contractors in Ghana

Abstract

This paper presents the concept of training as it relates to the construction industry, and specifically site operatives, that is, the craftsmen and labourers.  Training has a systematic undertone with great benefits too.  It can determine the effectiveness and efficiency of any organisation.  The paper addresses the training policy in place for such operatives in construction firms in Ghana. Literature is reviewed accordingly to provide a framework and direction for the study.  The primary data collection was centered on large, medium and small-scale building contractors in six (6) regions in the southern sector of Ghana, seen as a hub of construction activities. From the findings, it is only the large-scale contractors who have some plausible training policies for the site operatives with non-specialists largely doubling as training officers.  Training needs are poorly determined and evaluated, and on-the-job instruction is the commonest mode of training site operatives.

Keywords: Site Operatives, Local Building Construction Industry, Training Needs