HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND THEIR PERCEPTION OF CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN VIETNAM, A CASE STUDY OF HO CHI MINH CITY

Abstract

The poor image of construction industry has an impact on Vietnamese high school students when deciding theirs university course. This dissertation examines the factors that affect students’ perception of the construction industry, and aims to recommend ways to improve their knowledge and impression of the industry. An online survey was conducted to determine the level of knowledge students have of the industry. It was found that respondents had a significantly poor knowledge of the industry. The significant negative understanding are that they are dangerous, harsh and stressful. Most significant barrier is that the job is harsh. The significant encouragement for Vietnamese high school students to choose a career in the construction industry are its interesting nature of work, have a high degree of autonomy, have a positive impact to society and have advancement opportunities. Recommendations are given to the Vietnamese government, industry practitioners, and institutions of higher learning, to attract students to pursue construction related courses, and eventually join the industry on graduation. It is recommended that the young should be reached through television, newspaper; new media channels such as social networking sites is also found to be effective.