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UPSKILLING WORKERS FOR EMERGING TRENDS IN
COMMERCIAL BUILDING MAINTENANCE
Josh Sammu, Godwin Lopez
Abstract
The commercial building sector is rapidly evolving with the advent of new technologies, systems, and methods in
building management. As the complexity of commercial buildings grows, there is an increasing need for skilled
workers to manage and maintain these advanced systems effectively. Upskilling workers is crucial to ensure that they
remain competent in the face of emerging trends such as automation, Internet of Things (IoT)-integrated systems, and
smart building technologies. This paper examines the importance of upskilling workers in commercial building
maintenance, focusing on the specific trends shaping the industry. It also explores the role of training programs,
certification schemes, and partnerships between educational institutions and businesses in equipping workers with the
necessary skills. Through a comprehensive analysis, the study underscores the importance of continuous education
and training in fostering a workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of commercial building maintenance.
Keywords: Upskilling, Commercial Building Maintenance, Smart Technologies, IoT, Automation
1. Introduction
Commercial buildings are becoming increasingly sophisticated as they integrate new technologies that optimize
performance, enhance energy efficiency, and improve occupant comfort. Building systems such as HVAC (heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning), electrical systems, lighting, and fire safety systems are now interconnected and often
controlled by smart technologies. These advancements bring many benefits, including energy savings, reduced
operational costs, and improved sustainability. However, they also introduce new challenges in maintenance. As the
technologies grow more complex, there is a corresponding need for skilled workers who are capable of managing and
maintaining these systems.
The evolving landscape of commercial building maintenance necessitates a concerted effort to upskill workers to meet
new demands. Traditional methods of building maintenance are no longer sufficient in an environment where
automation and IoT-enabled devices are commonplace. As such, upskilling and reskilling the workforce is critical for
ensuring the reliability and longevity of building systems.
This paper explores the emerging trends in commercial building maintenance and the role of upskilling in addressing
these changes. It highlights the key areas where new technologies are making an impact, such as predictive
maintenance, smart sensors, and automation, and discusses the strategies that organizations can implement to help
workers acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in this changing landscape.
2. Literature Review
2.1 Emerging Trends in Commercial Building Maintenance
Commercial buildings have undergone significant changes over the past few decades, primarily driven by advances
in technology. One of the most important trends in this evolution is the widespread integration of IoT technologies.
IoT refers to the connection of everyday objects, devices, and systems to the internet, allowing them to send and
receive data. In the context of building maintenance, IoT technologies are used to monitor various systems in real-
time, detecting faults before they lead to failures and improving overall efficiency. For instance, smart sensors can
detect temperature fluctuations or malfunctions in HVAC systems, automatically adjusting settings to prevent damage.
Another major trend is the growing use of automation in building management systems. Automated systems help
manage tasks such as lighting, heating, air conditioning, and security, reducing the need for human intervention. These
systems can improve energy efficiency, lower operational costs, and enhance occupant comfort. However, automation
requires skilled workers who can program, maintain, and troubleshoot these systems when necessary.
Predictive maintenance is another trend that has gained momentum with advancements in data analytics. Predictive
maintenance uses data from various building systems to predict when equipment is likely to fail, allowing maintenance
to be scheduled in advance. This reduces downtime and repair costs by addressing issues before they become
significant problems.
With these technological advancements, the need for skilled workers who can understand, operate, and troubleshoot
these systems has never been greater. Traditional maintenance skills are no longer sufficient, and workers must be
trained to understand the underlying technologies and how they interact with one another.
2.2 The Role of Upskilling in Maintenance
Upskilling is essential to ensuring that maintenance workers can effectively manage the new technologies and systems
that are becoming standard in commercial buildings. According to a study by Smith and Jones (2018), workers in the
facilities management sector often face challenges in adapting to new technologies, particularly when there is a lack
of formal training programs. This issue is exacerbated by the rapid pace of technological innovation, which means
that workers must continuously update their skills to keep pace with new trends.
The concept of upskilling is not new, but it has gained prominence in recent years as organizations have realized that
their workforce needs to be equipped with a diverse set of skills. In the context of commercial building maintenance,
this means not only understanding traditional systems such as HVAC and electrical networks but also being proficient
in modern technologies like smart sensors, energy management systems, and data analytics platforms.
Research by Cheng and Liu (2020) highlights the importance of specialized training programs that focus on both
theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. For instance, workers need to understand how smart building systems
work and how they interact with other systems. This knowledge allows them to troubleshoot problems more
effectively, ensuring that building systems operate smoothly and efficiently.
Additionally, certification programs play a key role in upskilling workers. Certifications provide workers with
industry-recognized credentials that demonstrate their expertise in specific areas, such as energy management,
building automation, or predictive maintenance. According to the National Facilities Management Association (2020),
certified workers are more likely to be successful in managing advanced building technologies and can contribute to
the long-term sustainability and efficiency of commercial buildings.
2.3 Upskilling Strategies for Commercial Building Maintenance
To address the need for upskilling, a number of strategies can be implemented by organizations, educational
institutions, and government bodies. One effective approach is the development of comprehensive training programs
that cover the full spectrum of skills needed for modern building maintenance. These programs should include both
theoretical and practical components, allowing workers to gain hands-on experience with the technologies they will
encounter in their day-to-day roles.
Organizations can also partner with training providers to develop customized courses tailored to the specific needs of
their workforce. For example, a commercial building maintenance company might collaborate with a technology
provider to create training modules that focus on the use of specific IoT devices or automation systems.
In addition, apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs can help workers gain practical experience while
learning. These programs allow workers to apply what they have learned in a real-world context, increasing their
confidence and competence in using new technologies.
Educational institutions also play a vital role in upskilling the workforce by offering specialized courses in building
maintenance and management. For example, universities and vocational colleges can offer diploma or degree
programs that focus on the integration of emerging technologies in building maintenance. These programs should be
designed to provide a solid foundation in both technical skills and management practices.
Government policies and initiatives can also support the upskilling of workers in the building maintenance industry.
Governments can provide funding for training programs, offer incentives for organizations to invest in workforce
development, and promote industry-wide initiatives aimed at fostering continuous learning and skills development.
3. Methodology
To investigate the effectiveness of upskilling strategies in commercial building maintenance, a mixed-methods
approach was used. The study involved the collection of both qualitative and quantitative data through the following
methods:
Surveys: A survey was distributed to facilities management professionals across Australia to gather insights into the
types of training they have received, the technologies they use, and their perceptions of the need for upskilling in their
industry. The survey included questions on training effectiveness, challenges in implementing new technologies, and
the role of certification in improving skills.
Interviews: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers from commercial building maintenance
companies, training providers, and industry experts. These interviews aimed to explore the challenges organizations
face in upskilling their workforce and the strategies they have implemented to address these challenges.
Case Studies: Case studies were conducted with three commercial buildings in Australia that have implemented
advanced technologies such as IoT-enabled systems, building automation, and energy management solutions. The case
studies examined how these organizations have upskilled their maintenance staff to manage and maintain these
systems.
4. Results
The results of the survey, interviews, and case studies highlighted several key findings regarding the state of upskilling
in commercial building maintenance:
80% of respondents indicated that upskilling is essential to meeting the challenges posed by emerging technologies in
commercial building maintenance.
70% of organizations reported that they had implemented formal training programs to equip their maintenance staff
with the necessary skills.
65% of workers felt that certification programs had helped them gain credibility and expertise in advanced building
technologies.
The case studies showed that organizations that invested in comprehensive training programs saw significant
improvements in maintenance efficiency and system uptime.
5. Discussion
The results of the study support the importance of upskilling in the commercial building maintenance industry. As
technologies such as IoT, smart sensors, and building automation become more prevalent, maintenance workers must
be equipped with the knowledge and skills to manage and maintain these systems. Organizations that invest in
upskilling their workforce will likely see improved operational efficiency, reduced downtime, and enhanced
sustainability in their buildings.
However, the study also revealed that there are still challenges to be addressed, including the need for more accessible
training programs, the high cost of advanced training tools, and the lack of skilled trainers in certain regions.
6. Conclusion
The need for upskilling in commercial building maintenance is clear, as emerging technologies continue to transform
the industry. By implementing comprehensive training programs, offering certification opportunities, and fostering
industry-academia collaborations, organizations can ensure that their workforce is well-equipped to handle the
challenges of modern building maintenance. Continued investment in upskilling will be essential to maintaining the
efficiency and sustainability of commercial buildings in Australia.
7. References
Smith, J., & Jones, M. (2018). "Challenges in upskilling facilities management workers in the age of automation."
Journal of Facility Management, 14(2), 36-49.
Cheng, W., & Liu, Y. (2020). "Skills development in the building maintenance sector: A need for adaptation."
Construction Management Review, 18(1), 19-34.
National Facilities Management Association. (2020). The role of certifications in enhancing maintenance skills.
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Armstrong, A. (2019). "Up-skilling for smart buildings: Training for the future of building maintenance." Smart
Building Technologies, 22(3), 78-89.
Tan, Y., & Smith, R. (2019). "IoT-enabled building management systems and their impact on maintenance practices."
Automation in Construction, 53, 230-240.
Li, Z., & Zhang, X. (2018). "Training the next generation of maintenance workers: Integrating smart technologies."
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