Exploring and addressing challenges faced by construction management graduates in progressing towards professional status : a case of DUT (2024-2017)

Abstract

The construction industry contributes significantly to the South African economy, yet various challenges hinder construction management graduates from advancing to professional status. This study investigated the challenges faced by Durban University of Technology (DUT) construction management graduates from 2014 to 2017 in attaining professional registration. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research aimed to identify individual, organisational, social, and systemic factors contributing to low rates of professional registration among these graduates. Data was collected through surveys of 200 graduates. Key challenges identified included limited involvement in critical project phases, inadequate exposure to new technologies, insufficient safety knowledge, lack of skill development programmes, and employers' reluctance to hire inexperienced graduates. The study also revealed potential mitigating factors, such as addressing informal recruitment practices, promoting equitable registration processes, and implementing programmes to improve graduates' self-efficacy. Findings suggest a need for comprehensive interventions involving policy changes, improved training programmes, and enhanced industry-academia collaboration to better prepare construction management graduates for professional registration and career success. This research contributes to our understanding of professional development barriers in the construction industry and offers recommendations for improving the transition from graduate to registered professional in South Africa.