Workforce Development

Taking Housing to the Next Level through Capacity Building

Workforce development is key to the supply of disaster- and climate-resilient housing. We prioritize training local builders, engineers, architects, and materials suppliers to deliver more resilient construction according to the requirements of each program. We provide opportunities for construction worker capacity building so that a larger portion of the workforce can meet the required qualifications. By collaborating with both public and private entities, including educational institutions and vocational programs, we facilitate access to training, licensing, and certification opportunities, thereby fostering and advocating for continuous learning within the industry.

Local builders

Local builders have construction knowledge and skills from previous experience. Training for builders, therefore, focuses on improving these skills and integrating small adjustments to their techniques for improvement. Efficient approaches, such as competency-based training, are leveraged so that each builder’s existing skills and knowledge are evaluated, and the training is tailored to fill the gaps in prior knowledge.

Typically, training comprises a theoretical module, succeeded by practical or on-the-job training. The latter phase often spans the entire construction process, from laying the foundation to completing the roof. Trained builders are frequently in high demand, as homeowners witness the construction of safer homes within their communities. These trained builders will continue to build safer homes throughout their careers, passing the training on to the workers they hire as well. This is part of how we change local construction practice permanently: we train builders to incorporate disaster-resistant techniques that are culturally acceptable and easy to adopt.

Vocational students

By training students who are on vocational tracks that will lead to building or designing structures, we jumpstart their careers with a foundation in safe construction techniques. We ensure that the local construction sector will have workers who are trained to build safe buildings from the start.

Each training session runs for a full three days, with a mixture of both theory and practical trainings, and includes participatory presentations, workshops, games, discussions and in-the-field training to enhance practical skills.

Materials producers

The traditional methods of making building materials, including concrete blocks and clay bricks, can result in the production of poor-quality building materials. Poor building materials contribute to building collapses during earthquakes due to weak, brittle, or unsuitable materials used in the building. Production methods, like baking bricks in kilns fueled with wood, can result in damage to the local environment, which creates and increases other disaster risks, including deforestation, flooding, and landslides. Build Change trains building material manufacturers to: