PMI releases new construction industry training certification to better equip the workforce to meet the needs of the high growth sector

• 45% of construction industry professionals report project delays as their biggest challenge, with 72% always or often experiencing delays
• Major project activity across the Australian construction sector set to peak at $A 100 billion in the next three years,
• According to PMI Pulse of the profession report 2020, US$133m is lost for every US$1 billion spent on projects due to poor performance

SYDNEY, Nov. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Project Management Institute (PMI) today launched its new range of project management courses and certifications. Construction Professional in Built Environment Projects (CPBEP)™ is PMI's first industry-specific solution tailored specifically for construction professionals. 

PMI worked with leading global organisations, such as BHP, Amey and Larsen & Tourbo and other subject matter experts to identify common issues and challenges facing the industry, including a significant skills gap.

The new training courses and micro-credentials will help industry professionals to upskill and ensure they have the skills needed to successfully deliver projects of all sizes. They are designed to help improve techniques and set new standards for the industry.

Ben Breen, Global Head of Construction and Managing Director, Asia Pacific at PMI, said: "With more than 50 years in the project management industry, PMI is uniquely positioned to help equip professionals with the skills needed to transform the surging industry by developing innovative learning methods and practices. Our new construction training certification will help organisations follow globally recognised skills sets. This will better equip professionals with the skills needed to bring projects to life and address key challenges, including communication, scope and change order and interface management (IM)."

Challenges unique to the construction industry are impacting project outcomes and taking a toll on the professionals leading these projects—and the companies funding them. According to the Pulse of the Profession research by PMI, in Australia, it is estimated that US$133m is lost for every US$1 billion spent on projects and programs due to poor project performance.

When compared with global competitors, such as the US, Australian construction workers very rarely move between sectors within the industry, as employers traditionally do not consider skills to be transferable. Instead, experience within a specific sector is sought after, creating a reliance on international partners and importing talent.

PMI surveyed global construction industry experts and found that on-site productivity, scheduling, budgeting and scope creep, alongside alignment of owners, design and contractors, have been cited as key industry pain points. 45 per cent of industry respondents reported project delays as the most difficult challenge, with 72 percent experiencing project delays always or often. The research also found that those working in the sector believe that leadership, communication, cost control, decision-making and contract management are the top five most essential skills for the sector

Steve Felice, P.E., Technical Transactions Officer at BHP, said: "We are committed to bringing people and resources together to build a better world. As a global operator, we understand the challenges and opportunities facing construction professionals and organisations. As organisations experiment with various new technologies, these challenges need to be addressed through proper upskilling to ensure that projects of all sizes are delivered more successfully. We have worked closely with the Project Management Institute to share our own expertise and insight to support the development of its new construction offering. We believe it will help deliver future growth, development potential and value creation across the industry, to the benefit of the wider economy."

About Construction Professional in Built Environment Projects (CPBEP)™

The new offering includes seven online learning courses, three of which include the opportunity to earn a micro-credential upon course completion. The first three courses are now available:

• Built Environment Project Communication Pro – This micro-credential with a course focuses on the power of effective communication and how to improve this skill, specifically in a construction environment.
• Scope and Change Order Management in the Built Environment – This course focuses on project outcomes and understanding how technology can support scope development, management, and change order processes.
• Interface Management in the Built Environment – This course focuses on the effective management of communications, relationships, and deliverables among various stakeholders in large, complex projects.

The remaining four courses will launch in 2022, along with the capstone exam that will award the CPBEP certification to professionals who pass the exam.

To learn more about the new offering, visit pmi.org/certifications/construction.

About Project Management Institute (PMI)

Project Management Institute (PMI) is the world's leading professional association for a growing global community of millions of project professionals and changemakers worldwide.

As the world's leading authority on project management, PMI empowers people to make ideas a reality. Through global advocacy, networking, collaboration, research, and education, PMI prepares organisations and individuals at every stage of their career journey to work smarter so they can drive success in a world of change.

Building on a proud legacy dating to 1969, PMI is a "for-purpose" organisation working in nearly every country around the world to advance careers, strengthen organizational success, and enable changemakers with new skills and ways of working to maximize their impact. PMI offerings include globally recognised standards, certifications, online courses, thought leadership, tools, digital publications, and communities.

Visit us at www.PMI.org, https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectmanagementinstitute, https://www.facebook.com/PMInstitute, and on Twitter @PMInstitute.