How Can We Strengthen Construction Leadership Training Programs?

The success of a construction project depends on the people involved and how they function as a team. These professionals serve a vital purpose, and it’s through their knowledge and direction that a build can come together. From a project’s earliest stages to completion, strong leadership is essential to getting the job done and getting it done right. 

With many seasoned professionals in field leadership positions set to retire within the next decade, vacancies in the industry will need to be filled — and it may not be easy. A report from the Associated General Contractors of America shows that 81% of construction firms struggle to fill superintendent positions and 77% of construction firms struggle to fill project manager/supervisor positions, highlighting the need to better prepare future workers for high-level careers in construction. 

So how can we build on existing leadership development programs and improve their quality, availability and flexibility? 

Establishing Formal Training for Foremen

One of the first steps for many talented craft professionals interested in pursuing field leadership is to become a foreman. 

This position plays an important role in the day-to-day management, supervision and mentorship of project teams. However, there has traditionally been a lack of any formal training for the increased responsibilities in this role. A report by the Construction Industry Institute, Improving Frontline Supervision in Industrial Construction, observes that new foremen generally receive “minimal onboarding support” and that few ever receive the training or developmental opportunities to reach their potential. 

The experience of being a foreman can often serve as the foundation for the rest of an individual’s leadership career. Providing formal foreman training and certification can help professionals in this role develop key skills that will make them successful both in this position and potentially at higher levels of leadership. 

Flexible Training Programs for Superintendents

The superintendent plays a critical role in the daily operations of a construction site, helping keep projects on time and on budget. This role not only requires technical skills and knowledge in multiple areas such as project plans and construction processes, it also needs strong leadership skills. That’s why it’s vital to make superintendent training and certification programs as flexible and accessible as possible.  

For example, NCCER offers a Construction Superintendent Certification Program, creating opportunities for qualified individuals who are interested in field leadership. NCCER developed the certification in conjunction with subject matter experts and leaders from the industry, ensuring the relevance, validity and quality of the program. 

The 16-course program is fully online and designed to be convenient for participants, offering content, practice tools and resources that can be accessed at their own pace. In addition to allowing new or aspiring superintendents the flexibility to learn important skills at any time, it can also help a company provide training without removing more experienced superintendents from their work in the field, which helps keep jobs and projects on schedule.

Online or Accelerated Degrees in Construction Management

While the positions of foreman and superintendent are commonly achieved through field performance and experience, careers in construction management typically require a bachelor’s degree.  

Accessibility and flexibility are essential to attracting more students to construction management programs. Many colleges offer online degrees for convenience and may also allow for a combination of online and face-to-face class instruction for a more comprehensive experience. Several online programs are also accelerated to streamline education for those who want to expedite their education.  

Exploring an online or accelerated degree in construction management allows students to develop the technical and applied research skills needed to achieve upper-level management positions in the field.

Building a Better Future

The demand for skilled and qualified leaders in the building trades has reached its highest peak in 10 years, and without strong training programs, the demand for labor will continue to grow. Evaluating and redesigning today’s professional development options can help train a new generation of construction leadership. 

Building a better future begins with a foundation in education and training. Ensuring this foundation is strong will help the industry continue to flourish.