Identifying Trends in Construction Technology through Student Internship Experiences

David Ras; James Vigar; Anne Anderson; Jung Hyun Lee

Abstract:

Construction technology is a critical component of the construction industry, offering opportunities to enhance efficiency, productivity, and innovation. However, its implementation is often hindered by challenges, such as limited workforce capacity, high costs, and time constraints. These challenges are particularly significant for young professionals, who are still navigating the industry and may lack exposure to emerging technologies during their education or early career experiences. The overarching goals of this study are to identify the types of construction technologies currently being utilized and determine how students acquire their technological skills in professional settings. Through an extensive literature review, eight types of construction technologies and software were identified. A survey was then distributed to Construction Management students, ranging from sophomores to seniors, to assess their experience with these technologies during internships. The survey specifically asked whether students have utilized the technologies directly or observed their use in the workplace. The findings indicate that cloud-based systems, virtual meeting platforms, and monitoring devices are the most prevalent technologies among students. In contrast, advanced tools, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, non-aerial robots, and augmented or virtual reality, exhibit limited utilization. Notably, most students indicated that their learning was informal, either through on-the-job training or self-teaching. By examining the integration of construction technologies in both educational and professional settings, this study establishes a baseline for understanding current technological adoption trends and provides insights to guide companies and educational institutions in better preparing the workforce.