Training and Job Search Preferences among Male and Female Craft Workers in US Construction

Recent initiatives in the construction industry highlight the importance of technical skills training and gender diversity for the industry's growth and development. Despite efforts to improve training, gaps remain in gender diversity and its impact on technical skills training, particularly among craft professionals. This study examines the perceptions of craft professionals regarding (1) types of training received, (2) types of certifications held, (3) benefits and barriers of technical skills training, and (4) job-searching factors. The study collected and analyzed 1,457 responses from craft professionals using a survey questionnaire and snowball sampling. Results revealed that female craft professionals prefer formal classroom training, evidenced by their acquisition of the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and other third-party training certifications/licenses. Males and females also differ in their perceptions of the benefits and barriers of technical skills training, which employers and training providers can integrate or eliminate to create an inclusive workplace and training engagement. Furthermore, "challenging work assignment"was the most important factor female craft professionals prioritized during job searches. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing new insights into designing technical skills training programs that cater to diverse preferences, promoting an inclusive workplace, and enhancing project outcomes.