Small Changes Can Have A Big Impact on Generation Z Students in Construction Classrooms

9 pages•Published: July 23, 2025

Kathleen M. Short, Xi Wang and Christine M Fiori

Abstract

In Associated General Contractors’ most recent Workforce Survey Release, data collected from the construction industry has noted the failure to attract qualified people, grow the right skillsets and prepare future workers for careers in construction. University construction management programs are seeing their classrooms filled with Generation Z students, similar to Millennials but also very different attributes, who will be hired into these early career positions in the industry. In order for university programs to help industry fill these management and sub-management positions, it is necessary for educators to be aware of the unique learning style and preferences of Gen Z and adapt our classroom and culture to build student academic careers and enhance the college experience. This paper will provide some of the ways in which one program has begun to incorporate changes in their curriculum and classrooms to accomplish these goals while meeting the employment needs of the construction industry.

Keyphrases: construction education, generation z, learning preference

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference, vol 6, pages 251-259.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/kvqRz
	https://doi.org/10.29007/bgqj

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2025:Small_Changes_Can_Have,
  author    = {Kathleen M. Short and Xi Wang and Christine M Fiori},
  title     = {Small Changes Can Have A Big Impact on Generation Z Students in Construction Classrooms},
  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/kvqRz},
  doi       = {10.29007/bgqj},
  pages     = {251-259},
  year      = {2025}}

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