Developing Core Technology Competencies

Project Manager: Allan D. Chasey, PhD, PE, (480) 965-7437 or achasey@asu.edu

If you are a FIATECH member and would like to participate in this project, email us!

Project Participants

Bentley, Scott Lofgren

Overview

The objective of this project is to identify unique (i.e. university, trade unions) programs and techniques used to teach design and construction technology to serve the capital projects industry.in order to achieve a better educated workforce.

Many joint, innovative and unique programs already exist which address teaching of the technology at academic institutions that others in industry could use to assist and expand their efforts. This project examines existing approaches currently being used (or literature search) for teaching technology in a cross disciplined environment. Once the various programs are identified, recommendations will be made for best practice approaches for implementation. It is envisioned that the project will include input from academic institutions, construction industry organizations, and feedback from individual students and industry stakeholders to evaluate the programs successes and possible improvements.

Business Case

The engineering and construction industry is experiencing severe shortages of qualified personnel. This is a complex problem that includes a gap between the technology core competencies that industry requires and those that are currently being produced from educational institutions.

In most cases, the first year after graduation is spent teaching the individual technologies and needs of the business - some say that the core knowledge necessary to be successful are lacking.

Graduate productivity is lower the first year. Generally speaking, the industry has not shared what they are looking for or need. Providing a roadmap of core competencies deemed essential by members of FIATECH will assist universities and trade schools in the preparation of their graduates, which will make new hires more productive earlier.

This should be considered cost avoidance for industry by specifying competencies that the industry deems necessary. Moreover, graduates will feel better joining the workforce, which should increase morale.

Deliverables

50% project completion: March 30, 2008
100% project completion: May 30, 2008

Activities

RFP's were sent to all FIATECH member Universities.

Status

Responses have been received from the University of Nebraska and Arizona State University. The deadline for all responses are expected by the end of April 2008.