Assessment of Skills and Competencies Offered By Built Environment Graduates in Construction Firms in Abuja.

Abstract

This study assessed the skills and competencies offered by built-environment graduates in construction firms in Abuja with the view of bridging the gap between academic knowledge and professional practice. Data was collected from 159 construction companies listed in the Abuja business directory using structured questionnaires with a response rate of 91.8%. A random sampling technique was adopted for the study. The analysis of the data was carried out with the use of percentage and mean item score. The study identified 10 drivers of the development of skills and competencies for built environment graduates in the construction firms in Abuja, of which individual resources are the most significant. Findings from the study also revealed that financial difficulty and rapid technology advancement are the most significant barriers to the development of skills and competencies for built environment graduates, while verbal and written communication (basic skills) and entrepreneurial and managerial competencies are also significant barriers. It was, however, concluded that the skills and competencies of built-environment graduates in construction firms in Abuja can significantly bridge the gap between academic knowledge and professional practise and enhance their level of employability, provided certain strategies are effectively implemented. Major recommendations from the study were that academic institutions offering built environment courses should ensure that their curriculums are relevant with respect to industrial needs; graduates need to change their attitudes and personalities to be competitive; and the government must be committed to assisting with employability skills training.