A FORMAL PROGRAM TO DELIVER EXPERIENCE CIVIL ENGINEERING PROFESSIONALS

Abstract

South Africa and the African continent are currently experiencing a critical skills shortage within the civil engineering and construction industry. This and the current international economic down-turn are putting strain on infrastructure development and construction within developing countries. By delivering high quality civil engineering professionals to the infrastructure development and construction environment and by equipping those engineers with the correct capabilities, this problem can in time be resolved. This paper presents a possible contribution, in the form of a structured three year program, towards solving the above mentioned problem. The proposed program will be aimed towards offering further development for graduate civil engineers. This solution will include the assistance towards professional registration; delivering an academic program that is both focused on engineering and construction management tools and techniques, as well as delivering corporate and strategic principles. Structured work experience and mentoring will also play an important role in the proposed program. The aim of such a program would thus be to: Supply the civil engineering and construction industry within the public sector with experienced professional engineers with academic and practical experience in infrastructure development and management skills. The solution will include partnering with leading tertiary academic institutions, with large industry role players, both in the construction and consulting environment, and with government and municipal institutions.