Filling the Workplace Void in Construction Management

12 pages•Published: July 23, 2025

Abstract

The construction industry faces a critical workforce gap that existing post-secondary construction management programs inadequately address. This gap is largely due to the industry’s rapid expansion and evolving educational frameworks. Effective higher education programs aim to cultivate skilled leaders equipped to meet these demands, necessitating accessible course offerings, consistent delivery, measurable learning outcomes, standardized accreditation, and strong industry connections. Innovative educational models are essential to bridge this gap. Clemson University’s state-legislature-authorized digital construction management program exemplifies this approach, allowing students to balance full-time work with academic commitments while gaining substantial experiential learning and practical experience. This model emphasizes experiential learning, which can provide insights beyond traditional classroom settings. While some online programs have emerged in response to this need, results remain inconsistent. The Clemson model’s integration of digital hyflex coursework coupled with workplace experience addresses industry and student needs, promoting a stronger educational foundation. Organizations like the American Institute of Constructors (AIC) and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) play vital roles in aligning educational programs with industry standards. Ultimately, this model serves as a promising framework to align educational outcomes with industry requirements and mitigate the workforce gap in construction management. The study synthesizes and examines existing research and industry practices surrounding experiential learning adoption in construction. The study's significance lies in providing a roadmap for successful experiential learning integration in construction while addressing challenges such as student isolation, protocols, and accreditation.

Keyphrases: apprenticeships in construction education, construction industry workforce gap, digital learning in construction management, experiential learning in construction management, hybrid educational models in construction, online construction management programs, post secondary construction management programs, work integrated learning in construction

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference, vol 6, pages 734-745.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/HPk4
	https://doi.org/10.29007/vbdh

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2025:Filling_Workplace_Void_Construction,
  author    = {George Tedder and Mike Jackson},
  title     = {Filling the Workplace Void in Construction Management},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {6},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/HPk4},
  doi       = {10.29007/vbdh},
  pages     = {734-745},
  year      = {2025}}

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