Enhancing labour productivity through job-site training on building sites in Uganda : a case of Arua city

Abstract

Labour productivity is a critical determinant of construction project performance directly influencing timelines, cost efficiency and overall quality outcomes. In developing countries like Uganda, the building sites often struggles with low productivity levels due to inadequate workforce skills, inefficient work practices and limited access to structured training programs. In Arua City, evidence from multiple building sites indicate that these challenges manifest in significant delays, substandard workmanship and cost overruns. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (2022) and the Uganda Manufacturers Association (2022) reports, 68% of manufacturing firms in Uganda report difficulties in finding technically skilled workers highlighting a critical skills gap that undermines productivity and efficiency. This study investigates the role of jobsite training in enhancing labour productivity on building sites aiming to identify the most significant factors influencing training effectiveness and workforce performance while proposing strategies to optimize outcomes. A mixed-method approach is adopted, collecting quantitative and qualitative data from 94 workers across fourteen sites and is analyzed using SPSS version 23. Findings reveal a moderate positive correlation between job-site training and labour productivity with training method, recruitment criteria and trainee motivation identified as the most influential factors for training effectiveness while manpower, management and motivation emerge as the primary determinants of labour productivity across worker trades on site. A predictive regression model with R² value of 80.2% is developed to design, assess and predict the effectiveness of job-site training on building sites. An on-site training framework is developed and validated demonstrating productivity improvements across all trades including carpenters by 18.06%, non-trade workers by 15.95%, welders by 13.94%, painters by 9.72%, electricians by 6.24%, plumbers by 2.93% and masons by 2.65%. The study recommends that job-site training programs carry out systematic needs assessment to align training content with site-specific requirements. Priority should be given to training methods and manpower management as they have the greatest impact on training effectiveness and worker productivity on building site. The regression model and training framework should be adopted as practical tools for planning and evaluating training programs. Finally, the study recommends apprenticeship and role-playing as the most effective methods for knowledge transfer on building sites.