Employee engagement as a catalyst for upskilling blue-collar construction workers towards a sustainable built environment in Nigeria

Purpose The Nigerian construction industry continues to experience a shortage of skilled labour despite the growing demand for a sustainable built environment. Rapid technological advancements and sustainability requirements have increased the need for continuous workforce upskilling. While previous studies have focused on technical training, limited attention has been given to employee engagement as a catalyst for enhancing workforce competencies. This study aims to explore employee engagement as a catalyst for upskilling blue-collar construction workers towards a sustainable built environment in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with construction managers, engineers, builders, architects, skills educators and skilled blue-collar workers in Lagos State, Nigeria. Using purposive sampling, 25 participants with relevant industry experience were selected. The data were analysed using manual thematic analysis. Findings The findings revealed that employee engagement motivates participation in upskilling programmes, improves productivity, strengthens organisational commitment and enhances adaptability to modern construction technologies and sustainable practices. Major barriers included poor working conditions, inadequate funding for workforce development, weak organisational support, poor communication systems, limited access to vocational training and unstable employment. Continuous vocational training, improved welfare packages, participatory decision-making, recognition and reward mechanisms and stronger collaboration between construction firms and vocational institutions were identified as key strategies for improvement. Originality/value This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing practical insights for construction organisations, policymakers and vocational training institutions seeking to strengthen blue-collar workers’ capacity and promote sustainable development in the built environment in developing economies.