Construction workers in developing countries: a case study of Sri Lanka

This paper addresses human resource development (HRD) issues in the Sri Lankan construction industry. It reports an analysis of the occupational structure and characteristics of the construction work force as an aid to meeting the challenges of maintaining a skilled craft work force. Information was collected through on-site structured interview surveys of 3300 construction workers and a questionnaire survey of contractors, consultants and clients which included 56 organizations. Results indicate that the work force consists of 51% unskilled workers, 33% masons, 10% carpenters and 1-2% each of plumbers, bar benders, painters and electricians. The highest percentage of skilled workers is aged 30-39 years. Approximately 80% of the work force is casually employed, only 40% is fully utilized and 86% of the skilled work force have received informal training only. More than 20% of the work force is dissatisfied due to low income, lack of job security and difficulty in finding regular work. Comparing HRD practices to those in the USA and the UK indicates that Sri Lanka needs to adopt a more structured approach, including a more formal training system and proper grading of the skilled work force.