In a bid to bridge the skilled workers’ gap in the construction industry and curtail the incessant building collapse, operators in the sector have advocated the resuscitation of technical colleges and craft schools in the country.
To address this challenge, ELAN Expo Nigeria, in collaboration with other agencies in the built environment will be focusing its seventh International Construction Building Materials and Technologies Exhibition/Ceramics, Bathroom, and Kitchen Wares Expo on “The Role of Professionals, Artisans, and Government Institutions in Creating a Smart, Resilient, Mega-city”.
A former Chairman of the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Mr Akintayo Akintola said that Nigeria was lacking in the appropriate skills, and technical colleges and craft schools were at the forefront of training skilled workers.
He said: “I am not certain as regards if these schools are in any way functional. We need to teach more on the practical aspects to adequately ensure people are experienced to construct in the real world, hence, reducing these collapses being experienced. Most of these bricklayers, and tilers, among others, come to the site and waste so much, because they were trained without the knowledge of the conservation of materials. This also leads to spending so much on building projects.
“Our technical colleges and craft schools need to be enhanced, rather than setting up universities and polytechnics teaching only the theoretical aspect”.
The Chief Executive Officer of ELAN Expo Nigeria, Mr Jude Chime said that skilled workers in the country must exert more efforts and enhance their level of performance.
He said: “Our skilled workers need to work harder and sit up in the face of competition from other parts of the world. Hence, our technical schools needed to be revived; the reason for the importance of this training”.
According to him, the event reflects the organisers’ commitment to promoting best practices in the industry as the country currently needs some of this expertise at this time.
He added: “One of the highlights of this year’s expo is hands-on training, which will provide participants with the benefits of learning skills such as laser aligner for block setting, use of laser aligners and laser measures, use of robotic power tools, use of electronic painting machine, use of spray gum for paintings, solar panel installations, assembling of furniture, and smart electrification.
“This training will be delivered by professionals with extensive experience in the construction industry, giving participants the opportunity to learn from the best. The ‘hands-on’ training on the above skills and the build expo will provide participants with valuable insights into the application and installation of robotics and AI at homes, sustainable building practices, innovative materials and techniques, and the latest trends in architecture and design. These insights will be delivered through a range of workshops, seminars, and talks”.
