Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The assessment of the skills gap in electrical installation

and maintenance training programs is a study aimed at exploring

the extent of the skills gap in the electrical installation and

maintenance industry and identifying the factors that contribute

to the gap. The study aims to provide insights into the current

state of electrical installation and maintenance training

programs and highlight areas that need improvement.

The skills gap in the electrical installation and maintenance

industry is a global issue that affects many countries. In the

United States, for example, a 2019 report by the National

Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) found that the demand

for electricians was expected to increase by 10% between 2018 and

2028. However, the report also found that there was a shortage of

skilled personnel to fill the available jobs, with nearly 90% of

contractors reporting difficulty finding qualified workers.

 Several factors contribute to the skills gap in the electrical

installation and maintenance industry. One of the main factors is

the changing technology in the industry. With advances in

technology,

The required skill sets are shifting, and there is a need for

training programs that focus on the new skills needed to work

with the latest technology. Another factor is the aging

workforce.

Many electricians and maintenance technicians are retiring,

and there is a shortage of new entrants to fill the gap. This

trend is further compounded by the lack of training programs to

cater to the demand for new entrants. The availability of

training programs for electrical installation and maintenance is

limited, and the training provided is often not aligned with the

changing industry requirements, leading to a mismatch between the

skills of graduates and industry requirements.

Inadequate training is also a factor that contributes to the

skills gap. Some training programs may not provide the necessary

hands-on experience required for graduates to be job-ready. This

can lead to a skills gap, as employers require practical skills,

as well as theoretical knowledge.

 The study of the skills gap in electrical installation and

maintenance training programs can help to identify the areas that

require improvement. The study may involve reviewing existing

literature and data on the topic, conducting surveys or

interviews with industry experts, employers, and training

providers, and analyzing the findings to draw conclusions about

the skills gap and the state of electrical installation and

maintenance training programs.

The ultimate goal of the study is to provide recommendations

for improving the quality of training programs and addressing the

skills gap to ensure that the industry has a sufficient supply of

skilled personnel to meet the growing demand. Collaborating

between industry and educational institutions can help to align

the skills taught with the industry requirements. This

collaboration can help to identify skills gaps and introduce new

training programs to address them. Hands-on training is also

essential for electrical installation and maintenance students,

and training programs should focus on providing hands-on

experience. Apprenticeships provide a pathway for new entrants

into the industry to acquire practical skills, and employers

should be incentivized to provide apprenticeships. Continuous

learning is essential in the electrical installation and

maintenance industry, as technology continues to evolve, and

graduates should be encouraged to continue learning and

upskilling to remain relevant in the industry.

In conclusion, the assessment of the skills gap in electrical

installation and maintenance training programs is necessary to

identify the areas that require improvement. The study can help

to introduce interventions that can address the skills gap and

ensure that the industry has a sufficient supply of skilled

personnel to meet the growing demand.

Theoretical Framework

Competency-Based Education and Training: Competency-based

education and training (CBET) is a theoretical framework that

focuses on the acquisition of competencies, which are the skills,

knowledge, and abilities required for a specific job or task.

CBET emphasizes the application of knowledge and skills in real-

world settings. In the context of the skills gap in electrical

installation and maintenance, the CBET framework suggests that

training programs should focus on providing graduates with the

competencies required for the industry. The framework suggests

that the acquisition of competencies should be based on the

industry's requirements and should be achieved through practical,

hands-on training.
 The CBET framework aligns well with the goals of the

assessment of the skills gap in electrical installation and

maintenance training programs. The framework emphasizes the

importance of focusing on the skills and competencies needed in

the industry and tailoring training programs to meet these needs.

By adopting a CBET approach, the assessment can help identify the

specific competencies required in the electrical installation and

maintenance industry and assess the effectiveness of existing

training programs in delivering these competencies.

Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework highlights the interconnectedness

between the industry skills requirements, training program

curriculum and delivery, and skills gap assessment and strategies

for improvement. The framework provides a systematic approach to

identify and address the skills gap in the electrical

installation and maintenance training programs. The framework

consists of three main components.

developing an
Industry Skills

Requirements effective

training program
Training Program interconnectedne curriculum and
Curriculum and
ss between the delivery, and
Delivery
industry skills conducting a

Skills Gap requirements comprehensive

Assessment and skills gap
Strategies for
assessment,
Statement of the Problem

The purpose of this study is to assess the skills gap in

electrical installation and maintenance training programs and to

identify the areas where improvements can be made to better align

graduates' skills with industry needs. The study will examine the

extent of the skills gap and the factors that contribute to it.

Additionally, the study will aim to identify the strategies that

can be implemented to reduce the skills gap and improve the

effectiveness of training programs.

To address the problem statement, the following research

questions will be explored:

1. What is the extent of the skills gap in electrical

installation and maintenance training programs?

2. What are the factors that contribute to the skills gap?

3. How can training programs be improved to better align

graduates' skills with industry needs?

4. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with

reducing the skills gap?

Hypotheses of the Study

The primary objectives of the study are:

1. To identify the skills gap in electrical installation and

maintenance training programs.

2. To analyze the factors that contribute to the skills gap.

3. To propose strategies to reduce the skills gap and

improve the effectiveness of training programs.

4. To identify the challenges and opportunities associated

with reducing the skills gap.

Significance of the Study

The study's significance is to provide insights into the skills

required by the electrical installation and maintenance industry,

the effectiveness of the current training programs, and the

strategies to improve the quality of training and bridge the

skills gap. The study's findings may be useful to policymakers,

educators, trainers, and industry stakeholders in developing and

implementing effective training programs to meet the industry's

needs. The study may also contribute to the literature on skills

gap assessment and training program evaluation.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study will focus on the skills gap in electrical

installation and maintenance training programs. The study will be

limited to individuals in the United States. The research will

not consider other countries' electrical installation and

maintenance industries, which may have different skills

requirements, training programs, and challenges. The study's

limitations include the availability and reliability of data and

information, which may affect the study's generalizability and

validity.

Definition of Terms

Electrical Installation: The process of installing electrical

systems and components, including wiring, fixtures, switches, and

outlets, in residential, commercial, or industrial buildings to

provide power, lighting, and communication services.

Electrical Maintenance: The process of inspecting, testing,

repairing, and replacing electrical equipment and systems to

ensure their safe and efficient operation. Electrical maintenance

may involve troubleshooting faults, replacing faulty components,

and performing preventive maintenance activities.

Skills Gap: The mismatch between the skills and competencies

required by the industry and those possessed by the available

workforce. The skills gap may arise due to various factors,

including inadequate training programs, changes in technology,

and demographic shifts.

Training Programs: Educational courses and programs designed to

provide learners with the knowledge, skills, and competencies

required to perform a specific job or role. Training programs may

be provided by educational institutions, vocational schools, or

employers.