Preparation of Vocational College Graduates as Skilled Workforce in the Local Construction Industry

Construction industry is growing rapidly along with the development of a country. This situation caused a high demand of workforce in this industry until the hiring of foreign workers becomes a necessity, as seen in Malaysia’s scenario. To overcome this issue, the government of Malaysia established many Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutes that have potential to produce local workforce as highly skilled workers in construction industry. However, the preparation of these institutes for their students have never been analyzed, as the involvement of students from TVET institutes in local construction industry as skilled workers is still low, making their preparation method as an issue. Therefore, this research will identify the types of preparation method by TVET institutes for students pursuing programmes related to construction industry, and to assess teaching strategies for programmes related to construction industry to improve student preparation to become skilled workforce. To achieve the main objectives of this research, data collection is performed by interviewing teachers from three Vocational Colleges (VC) namely VC Kluang, VC Klang and VC Taiping, which are teaching Construction Technology programmes. It can be concluded that VCs have adequate preparation to produce graduates that can become skilled workforce in the construction industry. The results conclude that there are two types of preparation method made by the VCs; preparation method in the classroom and preparation method outside the classroom. The classroom preparation method includes laboratory training and teaching using modules designed to fit industrial needs. The results from outside classroom preparation include extra-curricular activities and construction site visits. As for results of the second objective, the teaching strategies to improve student preparation for skilled workforce is through the emphasis of safety during construction to students and the raising of student interest in Construction Technology programmes through industry participation. However, actions need to be taken in order to solve the issues that include a lack of equipment and no large area for computers. This study can help VCs to enhance the student preparedness to work in the construction industry

Analysis of Trace Metal Contamination in Pahang River and Kelantan River, Malaysia

The primary objective of this study is to determine trace metal contamination in environmental samples obtained from Pahang River and Kelantan River, Malaysia which may help to identify the risk of sustainable dredging in these areas. This research also proceeds to compare the trace metal concentration with the National Water Quality Standards of Malaysia, Interim Canadian Sediment Quality Guidelines and Malaysian Food Act 1983 to determine its limits and risks. Samples of water, sediment, snails and fishes were collected and analyzed for As, Cu, Cd, Cr, Fe, Pb, Ni, Mn, and Hg by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. It was found that the concentration of trace metals namely As, Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, and Hg in river water, sediment, snail and fish samples in Pahang River were lower than the maximum allowable limits, except for Fe and Mn. In Kelantan River, the concentration of trace metals indicating that it is contaminated with Fe, Mn, Pb, Cr, Cu, Hg, and As as all trace metals exceeded the maximum allowable limits. Negative impacts may arise, and the river may contaminate more in future if there is no proper management to tackle this issue during execution of dredging activities

Analysis of Trace Metal Contamination in Pahang River and Kelantan River, Malaysia

The primary objective of this study is to determine trace metal contamination in environmental samples obtained from Pahang River and Kelantan River, Malaysia which may help to identify the risk of sustainable dredging in these areas. This research also proceeds to compare the trace metal concentration with the National Water Quality Standards of Malaysia, Interim Canadian Sediment Quality Guidelines and Malaysian Food Act 1983 to determine its limits and risks. Samples of water, sediment, snails and fishes were collected and analyzed for As, Cu, Cd, Cr, Fe, Pb, Ni, Mn, and Hg by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. It was found that the concentration of trace metals namely As, Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, and Hg in river water, sediment, snail and fish samples in Pahang River were lower than the maximum allowable limits, except for Fe and Mn. In Kelantan River, the concentration of trace metals indicating that it is contaminated with Fe, Mn, Pb, Cr, Cu, Hg, and As as all trace metals exceeded the maximum allowable limits. Negative impacts may arise, and the river may contaminate more in future if there is no proper management to tackle this issue during execution of dredging activities

Significant Ways to Improve the Performance of Medium and Large Local Contractors in the Jigawa State, Nigeria

Contractors’ performance is an important criterion for the success of any construction project, as it is the contractor that converts designs into practical reality. While evidence suggests that there is much need for further improvement particularly in cost, time and quality, in Nigeria contractors’ performance is the subject that requires much research. This paper is to identify the significant ways to improve the performance of medium and large local contractors in the Jigawa state, Nigeria. Literature about contractors and their performance was reviewed to identify the ways believed to improve their performance in executing construction projects. Questionnaires distributed to 45 clients, 45 consultants, and 45 medium and large local contractors. The findings show that the respondents agree that the most significant ways to improve medium and large local contractor’s performance are transparent bidding process mechanism, proper selection of construction procurement system, quality control and standard assurance, local contractor patronage by the government and adopting information and communication technology (ICT) in design and construction. This paper offers better performance and expands the pool of knowledge to the Nigerian contractor regarding essential element that is needed to be observed in order to improve their performance