FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE DECISIONS OF WORKING ADULTS TO ENTER THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Abstract

The construction industry is not recognized as a favourable industry by many parts of the world. Construction jobs are considered as low status. Therefore, many working adults chose a career that is outside the construction industry. This dissertation examines the factors that hinder the working adults from entering the construction industry and discovers some methods that can assist them in learning about the construction industry. Survey was conducted to measure the working adults’ liking about their current job, to determine the level of knowledge they have on the construction industry and also to evaluate the level of satisfaction they have on their current job. The results are compared between the construction industry and non-construction industry to find out if there is any significant difference between both groups. As expected, it was found that the respondents from the construction industry have significantly more knowledge about the construction industry than the respondents from the non-construction industry. Furthermore, it was found that the respondents from the non-construction industry have more satisfaction with their job. ‘Working hours’ and ‘Work-life balance’ were the significant satisfaction factors. Moreover, 10 out of 20 reasons were identified as the barriers to choosing professions in the construction industry. Lastly, talks, TV and radio media, and print media were the methods that were believed by the respondents from the non-construction industry to be effective for them to learn about the construction industry. Factors that influence the working adults to enter the construction industry were identified and recommendations are given that can perhaps draw attention for the working adults to pursue a construction related career.