A Competency Framework for Training Facilitators in The South African Construction SME Sector

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate training facilitators' competencies in the sector of construction SMEs in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, towards the enhancement of effective SME contractors’ development. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: A sequential mixed-methods approach comprising both quantitative and qualitative methods was adopted in this study. A purposive sampling method was used to select 120 contractors who had participated in the Western Cape Contractor Development Programme (WCCDP). A survey questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from the WCCDP, while semi-structured interviews were used to collect qualitative data. 71 sets of questionnaire were returned, yielding a 59% response rate. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were adopted to analyse the study. Findings: The study found that training facilitators should demonstrate effective training skills, including encouraging questions during training, strong technical knowledge of the subject, eagerness to support coursework, and preparedness to facilitate training. Practical Implication: The identification of essential competencies for trainers working with construction SMEs in the Western Cape Province has important practical ramifications. Critical skills and attributes, training programs may be better targeted to meet the individual needs of SME contractors, resulting in increased skill levels, productivity, and work quality. Social Implication: Effective training facilitators' competencies would contribute to the sustainability of SME contractors and, ultimately, to the success of construction projects. Originality/Value: The findings from this study contribute to the body of knowledge on enhancing the sustainability of construction SMEs through effective facilitators' competencies.