Study: Construction Workforce Highly Values Credentials

More than three-quarters of the construction workforce believe standardized credentials play a beneficial role in professional development and advancement, according to a study by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).

Survey results show that credentials, which formally document an individual’s training progress, craft knowledge and skill proficiency, hold significant value in the industry. More than 48% of survey respondents said that credentials are essential for career growth, with another 27.6% considering them helpful. 

Holding credentials can also contribute to specific employment benefits, with 65% of the construction workforce saying credentials are valuable or very valuable for getting hired, and 69% saying they are valuable or very valuable for getting promoted. Credentials can boost resumes and add context to work experience, helping employers better understand the depth of a candidate’s qualifications.  

While the construction workforce has strong positive perceptions of credentials and the benefits they offer, the actual pursuit of these credentials is heavily influenced by support from their employer. Workers are more likely to participate in training and credentialing programs when their employer pays full cost, ties credentials to raises and promotions or offers training online or during normal working hours. The research indicates that contractors must invest in internal workforce development programs to truly reap the organizational benefits of standardized credentials. 

To learn more about how the construction workforce perceives credentials and how industry organizations can implement them effectively, access the full report, The Value of Credentials in Construction.