In the sector of construction and construction, the commitment of teams to follow trainings is essential to ensure the safety, efficiency and quality of projects.
Faced with challenges such as rapidly evolving technologies, stringent safety standards, and the need to meet growing customer expectations, it is important that your employees are continuously trained. So How to train field teams in construction ?
This article explores effective strategies to encourage your teams to invest in their professional development, by highlighting the concrete benefits of training adapted to the specificities of the sector.
Identify training needs specific to the construction and construction sector
Assessment of current skills 🏗️
Start by taking stock of the skills of your teams, especially those of workers, site managers and other field staff.
→ Beyond basic technical skills, assess their mastery of safety standards, current regulations and new technologies used in construction.
💡 Did you know that? 60% of accidents on construction sites are due to a lack of training in safety standards.
Anticipation of changes in the sector 📈
The construction sector is changing rapidly, with the emergence of new technologies such as The use of drones, augmented reality (AR), the BIM (Building Information Modeling) and increasing attention to the use of more environmentally friendly materials.
🏗️ The main challenges in the construction sector are:
- Rapidly evolving technologies : The construction sector must adapt to new technologies such as 3D modeling, modular construction or IoT sensors.
- Compliance with safety standards : Safety training is essential to reduce accidents on construction sites, which represent a significant portion of incidents.
- Diversity of profiles within teams : Training must be customized to meet the varied needs of workers, site managers and other professionals.
- Employee engagement : Motivating workers to participate actively in training programs is crucial to ensure their effectiveness.
- Ongoing skill update : Employees need to update their skills regularly to remain competitive in the face of market changes.
- Training costs : Investing in training can represent a significant cost for businesses, requiring adequate budget planning.
- Integration of new practices : Teams need to be trained not only in traditional techniques, but also in new environmentally friendly methods and materials.
💡 70% of construction companies plan to invest more in digital technologies and team training in 2025
Involvement of employees in the construction sector 🤝
Involve your teams in identifying the needs of vocational training is not just a simple participatory process, it is a key to meeting the unique challenges of the construction sector and strengthening everyone's skills.
🗣️ Encourage participation in the field! Organize collaborative workshops directly on site, dynamic team meetings or targeted feedback sessions. These moments of exchange allow us to gather valuable ideas on operational challenges, concrete expectations and ways to improve.
👉 Adapt training to the reality of the sector. By integrating the feedback from your teams, design tailor-made programs that meet the priorities of the construction industry : strengthen security, optimize the use of technical tools, or even support the transition to new standards.
👉 Boost team engagement! By valuing their field expertise and taking into account their real needs, you motivate them to invest fully in their development.
The result: better involvement, a strengthened sense of belonging, and the emergence of a genuine learning culture, both on the construction site and in the offices.
Create tailored training programs
Technical skills and soft skills ⚙️ 🥰
In the construction and construction sector, the integration of Soft skills is just as important as mastering technical skills.
In a sector where coordination between different trades is essential, these skills make it possible to maintain a harmonious work environment and to improve overall satisfaction on the construction site.
👉 Develop in-depth modules on essential technical skills such as project management, the use of digital tools, safety standards, and material quality.
💡UTraining on effective construction site management can reduce delays by 30% and improve productivity by 25%!
👉 And include competency-based training such as:
- Team management : Learn how to effectively lead a team in the field, delegate tasks, and motivate members to achieve shared goals.
- Effective communication: Train your teams to communicate clearly and constructively, both with colleagues and with customers and subcontractors. According to some studies, smooth communication can reduce construction errors by 20%.
- Time and priority management: Teach your employees how to organize their work and that of their team to meet deadlines, minimize unexpected events and optimize overall efficiency on construction sites.
- Conflict resolution workshops : Organize sessions where employees learn to deal with disagreements constructively, which can reduce tensions on the job site.
- Stress Management Trainings : Offer modules to help workers deal with the stress of tight deadlines and difficult working conditions. This can help reduce absenteeism and improve team morale.
💡 Studies show that teams that have received soft skills training are 22% more productive. (Adecco)
Diversification of learning formats 🎓
To maximize engagement, vary training formats. Here are some ideas for diversifying learning paths:
- Masterclass in person with team management experts.
- E-learning modules interactive allowing learning flexibility.
- Coaching sessions individual for personalized support.
- Practical workshops where participants can implement their new skills in real life scenarios.
🚛 The example to follow? HeidelbergCement offers access to an online learning platform where employees can take courses on a variety of topics, from the use of specific equipment to the sustainable management of resources.
Communicate effectively on training in the construction sector
Highlight the concrete benefits 💡
Each time, you must show how these courses can improve the performance of your teams in the field and promote their long-term professional development.
👷 For example, training on new safety standards can enable your teams to reduce workplace accidents and improve productivity.
→ Indeed, studies show that teams trained in safety standards are 30% less likely to be involved in incidents on the construction site.
Use different communication channels 📢
Adopt a multi-channel approach to communicate about training courses:
- Team meetings : Organize regular sessions to discuss available training courses and gather feedback.
- On-site displays : Use clear and engaging billboards to highlight upcoming training sessions.
- Intranet : Create a section dedicated to training on your intranet, where employees can consult the available modules and easily register.
- Visual supports : Develop short infographics or videos to capture attention and make information more accessible.
- Microlearning : Offer short and targeted training capsules accessible directly from your LMS or on a smartphone. These modules allow for a learning experience that is flexible and adapted to the pace of each individual, thus facilitating the integration of new skills into their daily lives.
Involve managers as ambassadors 👔
Encourage managers to play an active role in promoting training to their teams. They can share their own positive experiences and explain how these courses have had a positive impact on their daily work.
📣 For example, a site manager could attest to the importance of project management training that has made it possible to optimize the planning and coordination of tasks.
Facilitate access to training courses
In the construction sector, it is essential to ensure easy and flexible access to training courses to maximize team engagement. Here are strategies adapted to facilitate this access.
Schedules adapted to the constraints of the sector 🕒
Offer training sessions at flexible hours during downtime, between two construction sites or during periods of less activity.
👉 In this way, you ensure a good level of participation without disturbing daily professional life.
Short and flexible courses 📅
Set up short and targeted training modules that are easily integrated into the daily life of construction workers. Of 30-minute sessions focused on specific skills, such as construction site safety or the use of digital tools, can be extremely effective.
→ These short formats allow teams to quickly acquire new skills without disrupting their busy schedules.
Access to online training via an LMS 💻
Use a Learning Management System (LMS) so that your teams have access to online training modules at any time.
💡 An LMS offers an additional level of flexibility to employees who can thus take courses according to their own schedule.
For example, a worker can connect to the LMS during his free time to receive training on new technologies used in construction, such as BIM (Building Information Modeling).
Micro-learning for fast learning 🚀
Suggest micro-learning capsules that allow rapid assimilation of knowledge. These short videos or quizzes can be viewed on mobile, making it easy to learn on the go. For example, a video that explains safety best practices can be watched by a team member before starting their day on the construction site.
Motivate and reward learner participation
In the construction sector, it is essential to motivate and reward the participation of your teams in training courses to ensure continuous commitment and effective skills development.
Here are strategies adapted to value the investment of your employees.
Valorization of achievements 🎖️
Combine the skills acquired during the training courses with concrete opportunities for growth within your company. For example:
- Internal promotions : Offer positions of responsibility to employees who have taken relevant training, such as a site manager who has taken a module on project management.
- Recognized specializations: Offer certifications in connection with new technologies or security standards, thus strengthening the expertise of your employees and their value on the market.
This approach not only recognizes individual efforts, but also encourages a culture of continuous learning within your organization.
Rewards system aligned with the values of the construction sector 🎉
Create a rewards system that values commitment to training. Here are a few ideas:
- Diploma training: “Internal diplomas” carefully designed to symbolize the excellence and success of the courses taken. This may include specific awards, such as “Master's Certificate in Construction Safety”.
- Attractive premiums: Put in place a system of financial bonuses or other benefits, such as additional vacation days, to reward employees who are actively involved in their professional development.
- Access to exclusive events : Offer invitations to conferences, seminars or trade shows related to construction and public works. This not only enriches their knowledge, but also broadens their professional network.
🎓 Eiffage has set up a program to train its middle and senior managers in team management, effective communication and conflict resolution. The validation of certain modules is sanctioned by the obtaining of a recognized diploma in the construction sector.
Reinforcing a sense of belonging and motivation 💪
These initiatives not only increase motivation but also cultivate a strong sense of belonging within your team. By valuing individual commitment, you create an atmosphere where each member feels recognized and appreciated for their efforts.
Two inspiring examples
- An “Star” program: Create a system where employees can nominate their colleagues for their commitment to training and applying the skills they have learned in the field. The winners receive a symbolic distinction, accompanied by a bonus or a motivating benefit.
- An annual valuation day: Dedicate a day to highlighting training efforts, with award presentations, inspiring stories and sharing experiences. Highlight the concrete projects carried out thanks to the new skills developed, to motivate and inspire all teams.
