Introduction: A Sector at the Crossroads
The building and construction sector, responsible for employing millions globally and driving economic development, is undergoing significant change. From the rapid integration of digital technologies to the imperative of greening practices, and the challenges posed by migration, the sector must evolve to meet both current and future demands. As the demand for infrastructure grows, especially in developing countries, the role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has never been more crucial.
A recent report by UNESCO‑UNEVOC, titled Transformative TVET for the Building and Construction Sector, highlights the pivotal role of TVET in reshaping the workforce to embrace digitalisation, sustainability, and inclusivity. This article examines the report’s key findings and their implications for countries like Nepal, where the sector is a vital part of economic growth and development.
The Shift to Digital: Bridging the Skills Gap
One of the most significant transformations in construction is the rise of digital technologies. From Building Information Modelling (BIM) to robotics and drones, the tools that once seemed futuristic are now essential in modern construction sites. As the sector embraces smart buildings, digital twins, and automation, the demand for digitally skilled workers has surged.
However, for countries like Nepal, where traditional methods still dominate, the integration of digital skills into TVET systems is a challenge. While the adoption of technologies such as 3D printing, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) can revolutionize the way construction is taught and learned, obstacles such as infrastructure deficits and trainer competence must be overcome.
A New Horizon: Digital Competencies in TVET
For TVET providers, this means integrating digital tools into curricula—not as a niche or add-on but as core competencies across the sector. Digital learning platforms, virtual simulations, and remote learning tools could make training more accessible, especially in remote or rural areas of Nepal, where infrastructure and mobility are often limited. Digital delivery methods, such as online courses and blended learning, can bridge the geographical gap, making high-quality training available to students regardless of location. This is particularly important for countries like Nepal, where construction workers are often based in remote regions and may seek opportunities abroad.
Furthermore, digital tools can support inclusive training, enabling workers with diverse backgrounds, including migrant workers and women, to access training remotely, reducing barriers to participation. Digital solutions also provide language support, making learning accessible across multilingual regions.
Greening the Industry: A Path to Sustainability
The construction sector is a leading contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for roughly one-third of the world’s carbon footprint. With the global push towards sustainability, there is an urgent need to develop a workforce skilled in green construction practices, such as energy-efficient buildings, sustainable materials, and circular economy principles.
For TVET institutions, this translates into a significant shift in curriculum design. Green skills are no longer optional but essential. Training workers to build nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEB), use biodegradable materials, and retrofit existing buildings to meet climate goals will be crucial in the coming decades. These green competencies can help reduce the environmental impact of construction, while also creating new opportunities in the growing green economy.
In Nepal, where climate vulnerability and natural resource conservation are increasingly urgent, TVET must embrace sustainability at its core. Construction practices that focus on local materials, energy efficiency, and earthquake resilience are particularly relevant to Nepal’s context. Embedding these principles into TVET training will not only help create a sustainable built environment but also empower a workforce equipped for the challenges of climate change.
Migration: A Global Workforce in Need of Recognition
Labour migration is a central feature of the construction sector, with migrant workers accounting for a significant portion of the global workforce. In many countries, including Nepal, millions of workers migrate to urban centres or overseas for construction jobs. However, despite their vital role in the sector, migrant workers often face barriers to skills recognition, language challenges, and limited access to formal training.
The report stresses the importance of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which acknowledges the skills migrant workers have gained informally or abroad, enabling them to formalise their qualifications. This is particularly important in Nepal, where construction workers often work in the Middle East, Malaysia, or Gulf countries. Facilitating the portability of qualifications and ensuring that workers can continue their training once they return home will create a more flexible and resilient workforce.
Moreover, TVET institutions must be responsive to the needs of migrant workers, offering multilingual training materials, flexible learning pathways, and certification systems that facilitate cross-border mobility. This is especially important as Nepalese workers often return from abroad with new skills but struggle to have these skills formally recognised or utilised back home.
Regional Insights: Tailoring TVET to Local Contexts
The findings of the UNESCO‑UNEVOC report highlight the regional variation in TVET implementation across the world. In Africa, for example, the demand for construction skills is growing rapidly, but TVET systems remain underdeveloped, with much of the training being informal or non‑standardised. In contrast, Europe has a more mature TVET system, but still faces challenges such as trainer shortages and slow curriculum adaptation to digital and green skills.
For countries like Nepal, where the construction sector plays a major role in both economic growth and infrastructure development, it is crucial to learn from these regional experiences. The integration of digital tools, the emphasis on green building practices, and the recognition of migrant labour skills must be central to TVET reforms. Local context, however, is key. Nepal’s challenges—ranging from resource constraints to infrastructure deficiencies—require contextual solutions. Digital solutions like mobile-based learning apps or virtual training could provide an accessible way to train workers in rural areas without the need for costly infrastructure.
Recommendations for Nepal
To fully harness the potential of TVET in transforming the construction sector, Nepal and similar countries must act on several fronts:
Curriculum Reform: Incorporate digital and green skills into all levels of training. This includes embedding energy-efficient building practices, sustainable materials, and digital tools like BIM and 3D printing into training modules.
Building Infrastructure: Invest in digital infrastructure to enable blended learning and remote training. This can extend access to high-quality training to workers in rural and remote regions of Nepal.
Supporting Migrant Workers: Develop Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) systems to ensure that skills gained abroad or informally are recognised. Support multilingual learning and create portable credentials for workers to easily transfer skills across borders.
Industry Partnerships: Foster strong collaboration between TVET institutions and construction industry stakeholders to ensure that curricula reflect industry needs and technological advancements. Involve industry leaders in designing training programmes, offering on-the-job training, and providing upskilling opportunities.
Gender and Inclusion: Encourage greater participation of women and underrepresented groups in construction-related TVET. Special outreach efforts and support systems (e.g., childcare, transport) can help break down gender barriers in the sector.
Conclusion
The building and construction sector is in the midst of a major transformation, driven by digitalisation, sustainability, and migration. For countries like Nepal, where the sector plays a critical role in both economic development and infrastructure, transforming TVET is essential. By aligning training systems with global trends in technology, sustainability, and labour mobility, Nepal can build a skilled, sustainable, and inclusive workforce ready to meet the challenges of the future.
Now is the time for action. The construction industry cannot afford to wait. By investing in TVET today, Nepal can ensure that its workers are not only ready for tomorrow’s construction challenges but also equipped to lead the world in building a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future.
(Adapted from UNESCO‑UNEVOC 2025 Report on Transformative TVET for the Building and Construction Sector)
