Implementing efficient and effective learnerships in the construction industry
Date
2010-03
Authors
Mummenthey, Claudia
Du Preez, Ronel
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS OpenJournals
Abstract
Orientation: Overcoming skills deficits has been a major concern in South Africa since the advent
of democracy in 1994.
Research purpose: This study investigated the current state of the learnership system in the
construction sector and identified the major obstacles.
Motivation for the study: The study was an attempt to illustrate why it is necessary to implement
efficient and effective learnerships in the construction industry
Research design, approach and method: A learnership evaluation framework was developed
and indicated the critical factors for efficient and effective learnership implementation as well as
the roles of the various key stakeholders. The sample included respondents from building and
civil companies (n = 90), learners (n = 135), accredited training providers (n = 14) and Construction
Education and Training Authority and industry-related bodies (n = 10).
Main findings: It was found that descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests and a content analysis
of the Western Cape data indicated that, despite low satisfaction with the system in the workplace
and among institutional providers, the learnership system was nevertheless regarded as an
appropriate means to develop artisans.
Practical/managerial implications: Companies were motivated to offer learnerships but felt
inadequately prepared for actual implementation. Learnerships were felt to demonstrate
effectiveness in terms of employability and skills enhancement.
Contribution/value-add: This research provides a theoretical framework to understand, describe
and assess the implementation of efficient and effective learnerships in the construction industry.
Description
The original publication is available at http://www.sajip.co.za
Keywords
Construction industry -- Employees -- Training of -- South Africa, Occupational training -- South Africa
Citation
Mummenthey, C. & du Preez, R. 2010. Implementing efficient and effective learnerships in the construction industry. SA Journal of Industrial Psychology, 36(1):1-11, doi: 10.4102/sajip.v36i1.766