3 Proven Strategies to Strengthen Construction Training Programs

In today’s dynamic workplace, the era of one-size-fits-all instructional standards has effectively ended. This is particularly the case in industries such as construction, where training is not merely a formality but a crucial process that ensures competency and safety.  

Industries with high stakes require more than memorizing the rules and regulations; they require a deep understanding and practical application of complex principles. The risks of getting it wrong can have financial and human implications.  

Here are three strategies to help create a robust, effective and modernized training program to keep your team safe.  

1. Use technology to increase retention, safety and savings 

The workforce is incredibly diverse in various qualities, including age, ethnicity, educational backgrounds and learning styles. According to the well-regarded Cone of Experience concept developed by educator Edgar Dale, retention rates for different types of activities vary widely. For instance, people generally remember only 10% of what they read but as much as 90% of what they do or teach others. 

Emerging technologies such as augmented and virtual reality offer new opportunities to adapt training to individual needs. For example, virtual reality scenarios can simulate high-risk environments, providing workers with a safe way to practice skills and procedures.  

A 2020 study by Price Waterhouse highlighted that trainees retained over 80% of the material through virtual reality training, compared with much lower retention rates for traditional methods. This kind of training can also be completed in a fraction of the time, leading to cost savings and quicker deployment of skilled workers. 

2. Focus on quality over quantity  

The notion that longer training hours automatically yield better results is not just archaic; it’s fundamentally flawed. Extended periods of training can lead to cognitive overload and disengagement. 

Training must focus on quality over quantity, using strategies such as incorporating training modules that learners can complete at their own pace. Additionally, emphasizing real-world skill application provides a more accurate measure of a program’s effectiveness as compared with looking only at the amount of time spent in a training program.  

The introduction of microlearning modules, which break down complex topics into smaller pieces, has greatly improved the structure of training programs. These modules can be tailored to suit individual learners, ensuring that trainees can learn in a way that aligns more closely with their strengths. 

3. Incorporate qualitative and quantitative success measures  

Traditionally, the success of training programs has been measured through end-of-course tests, feedback forms and completion rates. While these metrics provide some insight into a program’s effectiveness, they don’t offer a complete picture.  

Continuous evaluation mechanisms, such as real-world simulations, can better measure the practical application of skills. Peer feedback and mentor evaluations offer insights into team dynamics and collaborative skillsets, which are often as crucial as technical skills in complex work environments. Post-training interviews and long-term follow-ups can gauge the lasting impact of training, providing data on how well skills and knowledge have been retained and applied on the job. 

This is part one of a two-part series on training and instruction. Keep an eye out for part two in December.  

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Tim Neubauer is president and owner of Exceed Safety in Raleigh, North Carolina. His experience spans three decades in the application of safety principles while in the field. Neubauer holds a master's in occupational safety and health and is a certified safety professional with knowledge in a wide range industries, specializing in construction health and safety. He has worked with the National Safety Council and their affiliates for more than 20 years and has facilitated Advanced Safety Certificate courses as an instructor. Neubauer was also an OSHA OTI Level 500 instructor in Region 5 and a certified National Center for Construction Education and Research instructor.

JoAnn Dankert is recognized in the ANSI standard on training and has been a dedicated National Safety Council content creator for several decades. Her contributions to safety standards and instructional design have influenced industry best practices. 

Kimberly Kemp specializes in education with a focus on curriculum and instruction. A national board-certified teacher, she brings nearly 30 years of high school teaching experience, coupled with 20 years of mentoring beginning teachers and imparting knowledge at the college level.