Exploring Vocational Guidance and Gender in Construction

Abstract

Construction, as an industry with ongoing skills shortages, needs to develop better ways to attract and retain new male and female employees. Career counselors play a pivotal role in providing vocational guidance to young people exploring career options. Career counselors' perceptions of construction as a career for young people were examined. A questionnaire investigated their knowledge of construction, perceptions of the industry being a good vocation for both genders, and the reported frequency with which they directed young people to consider construction. Comparisons using t-tests found career counselors perceived construction to be a better career option for males, and directed males m..