Employers' Perception of Graduates with Entry-Level Technical Skills

The purpose of this comparative study is to identify the technical skills and abilities needed by prospective employees of construction industries in Ghana and Nigeria. Potential employees are defined as recent graduates of construction industry programs with entry-level technical skills. Continuous growth and expansion within the two nations’ construction industries have increased the need for skilled technical labor. Finding workers with the requisite skills remains a challenge for employers. The research was conducted based on employers' needs, expectations of and experiences with recent applicants for positions in construction industries. The methodological design was quantitative in nature and based on a survey instrument to collect data. The target population includes human resources, administrators of construction industries and professionals in construction education programs in Ghana and Nigeria. Findings revealed differences with broad implications for practice, skill training and opportunities for further research through qualitative study to investigate areas where questions and answers not fully addressed.