| dc.description.abstract | Given an evident labor shortage in the United States and Texas’ construction industry, companies are seeking sustainable mechanisms to attract and retain the labor force. Understanding workers’ career awareness can assist companies to better focus their hiring and retaining strategies. Career awareness is a complex and evolving topic. This study concentrated on the following career awareness topics: factors influencing a career-decision to join construction and the drywall trade, type of attained training and if training will motivate them to remain in their trade, awareness of career opportunities and skills required to be successful, and workers’ expectations for the future.
This descriptive research was conducted with a sample of 230 drywall tradesmen employed by two subcontractors located in Houston and Austin, Texas. A questionnaire was used to guide data collection which occurred; through face-to-face interviews, group interviews, and self-administered questionnaires. “Sense of connection,” “belonging,” “like it,” and “Money” were the most influential factors when entering the drywall trade. “On-the-job training” and “Previous work experience” were the most common training types. Participants mentioned training would motivate them to continue in their trade. Although more training on career opportunities is desired, participants demonstrated awareness of promotion and non-promotion career opportunities. Likewise, the majority of workers do have ambition to progress in the drywall trade. Finally, a statistical test demonstrated that non-U.S. tradesmen and people choosing construction as their first choice career, are more willing to recommend the drywall trade to their children. | en |
