Help shape the future of offsite construction. Take part in a PhD research project.

Wind River Built

PhD Study on Workforce Training in Offsite Construction

Project Overview

Highlights

PhD research project to learn about the skills needed for offsite construction.
Your experience and knowledge can help improve future training.
I’ll be onsite Monday through Thursday, from October 21-31, 2024.

About

This PhD study is about understanding the skills needed for offsite construction, which includes newer methods like building in factories (modular or prefab) instead of at the worksite. By joining, you can share your experience, and together we can figure out what training is needed for these changes. I’ll be onsite for 8 days, asking questions and observing how work is done. Your insights could help shape how workers are trained in the future.

What Participation Involves

You will answer questions about your work and training experience.
I will observe how tasks are performed on the job.
Participation is voluntary, and you can stop at any time.
Your input will help improve future training for offsite construction.

As part of this study, I’ll be asking you questions about your work experience and the training you’ve received for offsite construction. I’ll also spend time observing how work is done on the job. Participation is completely voluntary, and you’re free to stop at any time without any consequences. Your insights will help shape future training programs, so your involvement can make a real difference in how workers are prepared for the changing construction industry.

About the Researcher:
Stephen Elms

Over 30 years of experience in theater production and academia.
Former stagehand with a hands-on approach to workforce training.
Pursuing a PhD to improve skills training in offsite construction.

With over 30 years of experience spanning theater production and academia, my background as a stagehand—building sets and working on major productions—has given me a unique perspective on workforce training. This hands-on experience inspired my current PhD research in The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment at University College London (UCL), where I’m focused on developing effective training programs for the evolving offsite construction industry. My work aims to bridge the skills gap as construction moves towards modern, industrialized methods like modular and prefab building.

Why This Study Matters

Helps improve training programs for workers.
Identifies the skills needed in modern construction methods.
Your involvement shapes the future of the construction industry.

This study is crucial for understanding how offsite construction is changing the skills workers need. By sharing your experiences and participating in this research, you'll contribute to shaping training programs that can help future workers succeed. Your input will help ensure that the construction industry is ready for new building methods, like modular and prefabrication.

Thinking About Joining? Here’s What You Need to Know

Participation is voluntary and won’t affect your job status.
Your privacy is protected, and no personal information will be shared.
The company will use the findings to improve training, but your identity will remain confidential.

Although the company has given me permission to conduct this research at their facility, participation is entirely up to you. You are not obligated to take part, and choosing not to participate will not affect your job status in any way. Your privacy is important, and all the information you provide will be kept confidential. No personal details will be shared with the company or anyone else. The findings from this research will be presented to help improve the company’s training programs, but they will not include any information that could identify you.

Interested in taking part?

Please fill out this short for to let me know you're interested in the project.

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