An Assessment of skill and competency gaps in the construction industry: the case of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing workers

Most countries including Sri Lanka suffer from the skill and competency gap of labours in construction projects. Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) sectors are one of the main trades which takes maximum advantage of skilled labours. Although several researches have been conducted to find skills gap and labour shortage related to masonry work, carpentry, tiling, etc., few studies have been conducted related to MEP sector in the Sri Lankan construction industry. Hence, this paper focused on assessing skills gap and competency gap in MEP sector of Sri Lankan construction industry. Subsequent to the comprehensive literature review, questionnaire survey and expert interviews were carried out adopting mixed method approach, to analyze the skills gap. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed through mean weighted rating and manual content analysis respectively. The study revealed that learning, numerical, reading and writing are the skills which have highest skills gap while performing general physical activities, directing and training subordinates, and monitoring of activities have most competency gap. Enhancement of MEP related courses, improvement of training facilities, increment of awareness on MEP sector, and providing proper salaries can significantly address the current skills gap.