Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Engineering Science

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

The skilled labor shortage is well documented from a historical perspective via studies focusing on various construction trades such as carpentry, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and tile setters. Causes of such shortages such as industry image, college as a preferred choice after high school, and construction being a last resort have been investigated extensively. Consequently, possible solutions ranging from amplifying shop classes in high school to intensifying recruiting efforts for union training programs have all been addressed throughout the last 40 years. However, recent studies have focused on identifying the magnitude and reach of the skilled labor gap while limited attention is given to the impacting factors that played a role in the decision to pursue an education and eventual career in construction, especially on the management side of the industry. This study, therefore, establishes the current state of the existing body of knowledge in this area and identifies gaps therein through a comprehensive literature review.

Moreover, gaps identified in the literature review have been used as a jumping-off point to develop a new cross-sectional survey tool to collect data focused on the decision-making process. Data collected has been analyzed using various statistical methods including a Chi-squared test as well as a non-parametric Wilcoxon test. Results found from the developed survey tool and the associated seven hypotheses developed during survey tool development, three proved to yield significant results. Hypothesis 1, The opinion on the prestige of a career in construction is equal regardless of construction having a mentor or role model in the construction industry, yielded a Wilcoxon p-value of .007 concerning career prestige and the presence of a Role Model. Hypothesis 3, Opinion on room for advancement in the construction industry is equal regardless of the presence of a mentor or role model, yielded a Wilcoxon p-value of .005 concerning advancement in the construction industry and the presence of a Role Model. Hypothesis 6, The influence of hands-on work activities is equal regardless of the presence of a mentor or role models, yielded a Wilcoxon p-value of .048 concerning the influence of hands-on work with the presence of a Mentor and a Wilcoxon p-value of .049 concerning the presence of a Role Model. The contribution to the body of knowledge for these findings is multi-tiered with the most relevant being the development of a first-of-a-kind survey tool specific to the career decision-making process to pursue the skilled construction trades via a skilled trades training program, as well as new insight into the varying impact of Mentors and Role Models and the potential for new recruiting efforts as well as training approaches focused specifically on Role Models.

Date

7-1-2024

Committee Chair

Chao Wang

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Available for download on Tuesday, July 01, 2025

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