To effectively train your field teams in the construction sector, it is essential to offer practical training, directly applicable on the construction site, andintegrating new technologies to improve their skills and ensure their safety.
The construction sector, encompassing professions related to buildings and public works, is an essential pillar of the French economy. It brings together a variety of activities, ranging from the construction and maintenance of infrastructures to specialized work.
In the construction sector, the training of field teams is of paramount importance, but it is not always easy toengage your construction and construction teams to follow training courses.
Workers in this sector face unique challenges that require specific skills and continuous adaptation to new technologies and working methods.
This article explores why training these teams is crucial and how businesses can set up effective training programs to meet their specific needs.
Challenges in the construction sector
The construction sector includes trades related to buildings (buildings, houses) and public works (roads, bridges).
Key figures in the sector
- Number of businesses: In 2021, construction brought together 530,277 companies. Most construction companies (93%) are micro-enterprises, while SMEs represent 5% of the remaining companies.
- Turnover: Construction companies generated a turnover of 360 billion euros and an added value of 114 billion euros.
- Investments: Construction investments amount to 281.1 billion euros in France (2022).
- Job: At the end of 2022, 1.6 million people were employed in construction, including 1,273,000 employees and 106,000 full-time temporary workers.
- Job forecasts: The sector plans to eliminate 150,000 jobs by 2025.
The challenges of the construction sector
The construction sector faces several major challenges:
- Inflation and rising costs: Inflation and rising raw material costs are complicating the financial management of projects.
- Workforce crisis: The shortage of skilled workers and the rise in labor costs represent a significant obstacle for construction companies.
- Energy crisis and green materials: The growing importance of the use of ecological materials and sustainable construction technologies requires rapid adaptation to new environmental standards.
- New housing crisis and access to credit: Difficulties in accessing credit for households are affecting the new construction market, causing a slowdown in activity.
- Adaptation to technological innovations: The integration of advanced technologies such as smart building and connected construction is essential to remain competitive, but requires significant investments.
- Slowdown in activity: In 2023, the sector experienced a global slowdown, particularly in new housing construction. The French Building Federation forecasts an even more difficult situation for 2024.
Overview of vocational training in the construction sector
La vocational training in the construction sector saw a significant increase in 2023. Nearly 103,000 apprentices were in training for a construction trade. The number of apprentices increased by more than 50% between 2016-2017 and 2022—23, thanks to financial assistance related to the recruitment of apprentices.
The increase in enrolments in CAP training (11%), vocational baccalaureate (13.1%) and higher education (17.5%) testifies to the massive commitment of training organizations and government incentives. Innovation initiatives, such as the modularization of training courses and the use of virtual reality for immersive training, have also contributed to this growth.
Why the training of field construction teams is crucial
Faced with regulatory, technical and technological changes, construction and public works must constantly adapt to change jobs and qualifications, and meet the employment needs that emerge from major projects. Vocational training is an essential lever for the competitiveness of construction companies.
Well-trained teams are more efficient and produce better quality work. Training makes it possible to improve the mastery of construction techniques, to optimize the use of materials and to minimize costly mistakes. It also contributes to customer satisfaction by ensuring high construction standards.
The construction sector is One of the most dangerous, with a high rate of accidents at work. Around 56 accidents are recorded each year for 1,000 employees, well above the average of 34 accidents in all sectors combined. Appropriate training can reduce these risks by instilling rigorous safety practices and by making workers aware of the specific dangers in their work environment.
Construction is increasingly integrating advanced technologies such as smart building and connected construction. Workers must be trained in the use of these new technologies to remain competitive and meet the requirements of contemporary projects.
The construction sector is increasingly focused on the use of eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices. Training field teams in these new working methods is crucial in order to meet growing environmental standards and contribute to “sustainable construction”.
Today, working in this sector means helping to reduce the carbon footprint of construction. Wooden construction, bio-based materials, the recycling of construction waste or even eco-design for buildings that are more environmentally friendly: the use of sustainable materials on construction sites has only been strong in recent years.
How to set up effective training
Construction workers are often on the go and at remote sites. Using mobile training solutions allows them to offer them constant access to training modules, regardless of their location. Mobile applications and online platforms make learning flexible and accessible, thus reducing logistical obstacles.
Training programs should be flexible to accommodate the varied schedules of construction workers. Offering short modules allows learners to follow the training at their own pace. In addition, online training courses that can be accessed at any time make it possible to reconcile professional requirements with lifelong learning.
Evaluate and adapt training programs
Using regular evaluations to measure the effectiveness of training is crucial. The results of these evaluations make it possible to adjust the content and methods according to the specific needs of the learners. Adapted and evolving training ensures that workers remain competitive and able to meet the changing demands of the sector.
Training construction field teams is crucial so that these employees can constantly acquire new skills and update their knowledge to adapt to technological developments and constantly changing sectoral regulations.
