Table of Contents
The construction sector is an important aspect of infrastructure development and a good way to verify the reality of the country’s economic progress. To survive and thrive in this rapidly changing world, the construction industry must invest in tomorrow’s workforce by upgrading skills and continuously learning.
The need for highly skilled, interdisciplinary and technology-driven construction professionals is also essential for the country’s optimal development and creating new growth opportunities.
The sector is poised to become India’s largest employer, with 76 million employees, including at least 15 million new graduates looking for new opportunities every year. Data shows that opportunities for small, medium and micro enterprises (contractors) have increased over the past 20 years. However, compared to global statistics, we find that our country’s construction industry is underperforming due to a myriad of factors, including but not limited to heavy regulation, which is largely dependent on public sector demands, and the fragmented and traditional nature of the industry.
One only needs to look at jobs around the world to see how rapidly the industry is shifting elsewhere and how it is time for India to wake up from its slumber. Workers want better working conditions on construction sites, higher wages, and skills-based learning in traditional institutions. The overall situation puts civil engineering students in a difficult position as they struggle with the outdated curriculum of our current education system, while also being blamed for its failures. Lack of digital IT skills as well as below average communication and English speaking skills are much needed but underrated aspects of the industry and having a good command of these makes a technical engineer invaluable.
On an average, a fresh graduate in civil engineering earns a starting salary of 8,000 to 12,000 per month. Frankly, a worker who does not spend 3-4 lakhs and 4 years to get a degree certificate will earn much more. If we dig deep into the main reason for this low salary, we will come back to the starting point, an outdated curriculum with negligible industry intervention. This requires students and newcomers to look for external sources to prepare them for the industry.
The construction industry in India has a lot of opportunities but there is still a noticeable gap in the availability of qualified civil engineers, especially those with 1-5 years of experience. This gap is often attributed to factors such as increasing student numbers without a corresponding increase in qualified faculty, limited resources and weak linkages between industry and academia. However, young civil engineers can take the initiative to improve their skills and value to employers rather than being preoccupied with these systemic issues. Here are some practical strategies to improve skills immediately.
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1. Embrace Curiosity and Questioning
Young construction engineers must develop the habit of asking questions about everything they encounter on the job site. This childlike curiosity will help them gain a deeper understanding of their daily work and documentation.
Examples of actions:
- Learn about concrete pump capacity, diesel fuel consumption, pipe diameter, and pump efficiency.
- Understand concrete slump and track the amount pumped per hour.
- Develop individual coefficients for different job site tasks to better understand project requirements.
2. Monitor worker productivity
1: What is the primary purpose of structural design?
Monitoring and analyzing worker productivity can provide valuable insight into the factors that contribute to the success or failure of a project. This understanding can inform better management practices and improve overall efficiency.
Examples of Action:
- Record daily productivity figures.
- Identify and address factors that affect productivity.
- Make changes based on observed trends to improve efficiency.
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3. Understand contract documents
Reading and understanding contract documents may seem daunting, but it is essential for construction engineers to understand the legal and financial aspects of their projects.
Examples of Action:
- Regularly review contract documents.
- Seek advice from experienced colleagues in case of unclear terms.
- Get familiar with contract terms relating to payments, penalties and responsibilities.
4. Learn the basics of construction finance
A solid understanding of construction finance can set you apart from your peers. Understanding financial terms and processes helps you manage project budgets and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
Examples of Action:
- Advertisement Learn about GST applicability, retention rates and guaranteed advances.
- Understand bank guarantees, insurance premiums and customer deductibles.
- Get familiar with the basics of profit and loss statements related to your project.
5. Focus on Practical Skills Over Fancy Courses
Upskilling doesn’t always need enrolling in expensive courses. Practical knowledge and on-the-job learning are often more valuable.
Examples of Actions:
- Prioritize learning the details of your current duties and responsibilities.
- Seek advice and guidance from experienced engineers to gain practical knowledge.
- Attend on-site training sessions and workshops whenever possible.
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Additional Insights to Enhance Knowledge
Embrace Technology and Innovation
Technology is changing the construction industry. Knowledge of new tools and technologies can significantly improve your productivity and efficiency.
Examples of Action:
- Learn about Building Information Modeling (BIM) and its applications in project planning and management.
- Explore the use of drones for site surveying and inspection.
- Understand the basics of geographic information systems (GIS) for better site analysis.
Networking and Professional Associations
Creating a professional network is invaluable for career advancement. Membership in professional associations can provide access to resources, training, and industry connections.
Examples of Action:
- Join organizations such as the Indian Society of Civil Engineers (ISCE) or the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
- Attend industry conferences, seminars, and workshops to stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies.
- Participate in forums, online discussion groups related to civil engineering.
Developing soft skills
Technical skills are important, but soft skills such as communication, teamwork and problem solving are also essential for career advancement.
Examples of action:
- Improve your communication skills with public speaking courses or workshops.
- Practice teamwork and leadership skills by participating in group projects or participating in volunteer opportunities.
- Develop problem-solving skills by solving real-world challenges and seeking feedback from peers and mentors.
Addressing Industry Challenges
While individual efforts are important, broader industry challenges must also be considered. Improving pay, work culture, and working conditions can attract and retain talented engineers. Here are some community-based and expert-led solutions to address these challenges:
Mentorship programs:
Experts like Prashant Patil suggest that experienced engineers mentor at least one newcomer each year. This approach could close the skills gap in five years, narrowing the gap and fostering a more skilled workforce.
Industry-integrated education:
Emphasis on the need for industry-centered curricula and on-the-job training during university studies.
Aligning academic learning with industry needs can help graduates better prepare for real-world challenges.
Improve working conditions:
Several comments from a recent LinkedIn post highlighted the need to improve pay and working conditions. New construction engineers are often paid on par with workers, with long working hours and no time off. Addressing these issues could make the construction industry more attractive to qualified professionals.
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What benefits do certifications offer AEC professionals?
1. Enhance and Develop Knowledge
Certifications provide the opportunity to familiarize yourself with industry standards and updates that help you perform your job responsibilities better and gain a broader understanding of the field. They build your confidence and expertise to work in different projects or environments.
2. Increase job satisfaction
Additional qualifications such as technical certifications pave the way for future growth. Professional certifications are not limited to college graduates or new professionals. Instead, they can be undertaken at any stage of a career to update knowledge in the field and seek out advancement opportunities.
3. Increased earning potential
AEC professionals with construction or engineering certifications earn more than those without certifications. For example, project managers with the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification earn 25% more than those without certifications.
4. Improved Hiring Potential
Today, most employers require additional certifications and licenses when hiring AEC professionals. They want to hire a candidate who demonstrates superior industry knowledge and can keep projects on track.
5. Ensure Compliance
Advanced courses and certification programs enhance your industry knowledge and ability to investigate various construction and engineering projects to ensure compliance with legal, safety, and environmental standards and regulations.
Why green building practices are vital for the construction industry and our environment?
Environmental Sustainability
One of the main reasons for the importance of green building practices in the construction industry is environmental sustainability. Traditional construction methods often contribute to resource depletion and environmental degradation. Green building practices aim to minimize the use of non-renewable resources, reduce energy consumption, and manage waste efficiently. These practices help reduce the environmental impact of construction, making it a more sustainable and responsible industry.
Energy Efficiency
Green buildings are designed with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Green buildings incorporate features such as energy-efficient windows, adequate insulation, and high-efficiency heating and cooling systems.
By reducing energy consumption, green buildings reduce the need for fossil fuels and therefore reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This not only benefits the environment, but also reduces long-term operating costs for building owners and occupants.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
Green building practices emphasize the importance of indoor air quality. By using non-toxic materials and efficient ventilation systems, these buildings create healthier living and working environments. Good indoor air quality can lead to increased productivity, reduced health problems, and a better overall quality of life for occupants.
Sustainable Materials
Green building practices promote the use of sustainable and recycled materials. This reduces the demand for raw resources and reduces the ecological footprint of construction. Additionally, recycling materials reduces waste and saves energy compared to producing new materials from scratch.
Water Efficiency
Green buildings incorporate water-saving appliances and technologies, helping to conserve this precious resource. These buildings are often equipped with low-flow toilets, efficient irrigation systems, and rainwater harvesting systems. Reducing water consumption not only benefits the environment, but also saves money for the building owner.
Long-term cost savings
Although the initial construction costs of green buildings may be slightly higher than those of conventional buildings, the long-term cost savings are significant. Energy-saving features, reduced maintenance requirements, and lower utility bills make green buildings a wise financial investment. ROI is often seen over time through reduced operating costs.
Regulatory incentives
Many governments and municipalities encourage green building practices through a variety of incentives, including tax credits, subsidies, and expedited permitting processes. By adopting green building practices, construction projects can often benefit from these incentives, further enhancing their attractiveness. Positive market value Green buildings have a competitive advantage in the real estate market. They are in high demand due to their environmental benefits, cost savings, and healthier living conditions.
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- Expert Trainers: Entri offers live training sessions led by experts with over 10 years of experience. This ensures top quality education and practical knowledge.
- Real Projects: Students work on real projects in the Middle East and India. This hands-on exposure is rare in most courses, making you job ready.
- Advanced Software Training: The course includes training in ETABS, STAAD.pro and AutoCAD.
Mastering these tools will improve your skills and job prospects. - Global Standards: Entri covers international design codes, including American and European standards. This prepares you for employment opportunities in the Gulf and abroad.
Conclusion
By taking these immediate steps to upskill, young civil engineers can significantly improve their value to employers and contribute more effectively to their projects. At the same time, addressing systemic issues such as mentorship, industry-integrated education, and improved working conditions are essential for the sustainable growth of the construction industry.
Together, these efforts can ensure that India produces a large pool of civil engineers and a skilled, competent workforce that is ready to meet the challenges of modern construction projects. For young engineers looking to upskill, start by taking the practical steps outlined above.
For industry leaders and educators, consider how you can support these efforts through mentorship, upskilling programs, and better working conditions. Together, we can close the skills gap and build a stronger, more resilient society and construction industry in India.
