To succeed in the coming decades, construction workers will need continuous skills upgrades, according to a report by the Autodesk Foundation and Monitor Institute by Deloitte.
The research outlines a comprehensive framework for examining the skills gap challenge and specific opportunity areas for investment. “We need to understand the effects of technology adoption, how to mitigate the risks, and how to ensure that long-term incentives for success are aligned for all parties,” according to a news release.
The report highlights four key points about how to address the skills gap in U.S. construction and manufacturing:
— Training workers for new technical skills is important, but these skills can quickly become obsolete if they are not explicitly tied to more foundational and transferable capabilities
— The accelerating pace of technological change necessitates workers engage in continuous “skills upgrades,” requiring workers to imagine – and navigate – very different career pathways
— Continuous learning requires shortening the metaphorical distance between learning and work, which is most effective when learning is embedded into work and work into learning
— Closing the skills gap requires addressing a broader set of challenges facing workers: in the marketplace for jobs, at work, and in policies and practices that affect the broader “social determinants of work”
Related Stories
| Jan 16, 2013
New standard for geothermal heat pump systems piping to be included in 2015 International Mechanical Code
NSF International, an independent global organization that writes standards, and tests and certifies products, has published the first in a series of American National Standards for Ground-Source Geothermal Piping Systems – NSF/ANSI 358-1.
| Jan 16, 2013
ANSI passes new safety standards for reinforcing steel and post-tensioning
The ANSI A10 Accredited Standards Committee for Construction and Demolition Operations recently approved amendments to the ANSI A10.9 Concrete and Masonry Standard.
| Jan 8, 2013
Congress passes Drywall Safety Act
Congress recently passed the Drywall Safety Act; President Barack Obama is expected to sign it soon.
| Jan 8, 2013
Building-integrated PVs could help boost green standards over the next few years
A developing technology could begin to have an impact on sustainable standards over the next few years.
| Jan 8, 2013
Revamp of codes among nine low tech steps to raise community resiliency
Updating of local zoning and building codes is one of nine low-tech steps that can boost sustainability and storm resiliency, according to this article.
| Jan 8, 2013
Group releases safety and building codes from 24 countries
Public.Resource.Org released 10,062 public safety documents including building codes covering 24 countries and 6 regions.
| Jan 8, 2013
Montana developing high-performance building standards for state projects
The Montana Department of Administration is developing a single building standard for all state facilities, and hopes to have a plan in place this spring.
| Jan 4, 2013
AGC economist says "fiscal cliff" deal will give construction a boost
The deal in Congress to avoid going over the so-called fiscal cliff "should encourage many businesses to go ahead with projects they have held in reserve," said Ken Simonson, chief economist of the Associated General Contractors of America.
| Jan 4, 2013
California standards on furnishings, insulation to be revised
California is revising the state’s standards on interior furniture and insulation to maintain or improve fire safety while reducing or eliminating the use of toxic chemicals.
| Jan 4, 2013
Tilt-Up Concrete Association releases new temporary wind bracing guidelines
The Tilt-Up Concrete Association has released revised guidelines on Temporary Wind Bracing of Tilt-Up Concrete Panels During Construction.
