Generic and specific skills Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Generic and specific skills - Assignment Example Skill defines the ability to execute an undertaking to a predefined level of competency. A range of generic skills is important in the construction industry. Generic skills, which include but are not limited to computing skills, communication, ICT skills, problem solving skills, and team working skills are essential qualifications valued by employers (UK Commission for Employment and Skills, 2014, 1). They supplement the special and technical skills of employees. The varieties of generic and special skills are available in the construction market, which also includes service delivery and supply of materials. Most companies often offer training in generic skills, but specific skills are normally acquired in learning institutions. In China, the construction market constitutes a large percentage of the country’s GDP. The Chinese construction market is growing at a significantly rapid rate. Specific skills such as technological skills are in demand in the construction industry. Design engineers and architects, for instance, require special skills to come up with designs of houses and roads, and examine the structural components of construction. Despite the high unemployment levels, employers still complain of skill deficits (Klosters, 2014, 9). Staffs with generic skills are often subcontracted to work on contractual basis. Unfortunately, development of managerial skills has not been efficient because systems of management largely remain the same (Ahmad and Ryan, n.d., 1). The country’s type of economy creates several jobs in the construction industry, hence the increase of several construction companies. Even so, construction enterprises and design institutes have shown little interest in develop ing skills required in the construction industry. Even so, the competition between Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai means that the industry has potential. Both India and China have shown interest in investing in their