ABSTRACT
Training of construction craftsmen in the Nigeria construction industry which should have enhanced productivity and competitiveness has suffered a lot. This study assessed craft skills training needs in the North-western Nigeria. The objectives of the study included identifying general and specific craft skill training need, extent of the need, militating factors against craft skill training and effective training methods. Purposive sampling technique was used in administering questionnaires (140) to professionals (40) and some selected craftsmen (100) within small, medium and large construction companies in the North- western Nigeria. Questionnaire survey was used to collect data from craftsmen on site and professionals that are directly involved in building production. Mean score and standard deviation of each item was determined and ranked accordingly. SPSS version 16.0 was used in this analysis. The study revealed that, lack of assessing worker?s training needs prior to training program has a mean score of (3.308), lack of adequate tools / equipment has (3.189) and high cost of training has (3.126), and these were ranked high among the major factors militating against craft skill training. Understanding drawing has a mean score of (3.304), basic safety has (3.284) and multi skilling has (3.170), and these were among the training areas that should be given higher priority in training craftsmen under study. For effective craftsmen training methods, the result shows, traditional apprenticeship training has a mean score of (3.304), practical demonstration has (3.018) and on the job training has (2.996). It was concluded that assessment of craft skill training need is an important strategy through which construction companies identified and respond to their training areas in their respective companies. It was recommended that master craftsmen (foremen) should be encouraged and supported to train craftsmen on site