High School and College Student Perceptions of Careers in the Construction Industry

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify high school and college student perceptions of careers in the construction industry and what factors influence the development of these perceptions. There has been a concern within the construction industry that there would be a shortage of educated and skilled labor to fill the industry’s employment needs. Understanding high school students’ perceptions and what variables are responsible for formulating these perceptions provided the construction industry, construction related colleges, technical colleges, and trade school professionals with information to assist their recruitment and educational programs. Written surveys were given to high schools students at Memorial High School, Menomonie Senior High, Boyceville Middle/High School and college students at UW-Stout and Chippewa Valley Technical College. Data was collected from 160 high school students and 58 college students. The results of this study indicate that high school students have a realistic and positive perception of the construction industry. Recommendations were made to increase the exposure of high school students to all aspects of the construction industry.