Informal Learning: Approaches to Competencies Development for Construction Service Interns

Abstract

Purpose Competencies development of students is an essential part for any educational institution. The current study aimed to examine the competency development of interns in the construction service sector through an informal learning approach. It investigated empirically the role of informal learning practices such as informal internship, team building activities, job rotation and social networking on the competency’s development of private school students in Indonesia. Method. The sample of the study was selected through the purposive sampling method. Questionnaire was used as the data collection tools from students working as interns in a construction sector school. The questionnaires were distributed to the respondents by making personal visits to schools. The smart-PLS was utilized to explore the relationship between the constructs, which is considered the best statistical tool because it provides reliable findings even with complex models and large sample sizes.

Findings The results revealed that informal learning practices such as informal internship, team building activities, job rotation and social networking have a positive association with the competencies development of private school students in Indonesia. Implications for Research and Practice. This study is meaningful for the policymakers regarding developing policies about student competencies development.