Skills in Infrastructure and Construction are becoming the foundation for building a high-growth career in India’s rapidly expanding development landscape. As the country accelerates investments in transportation, smart cities, renewable energy, and large-scale urban infrastructure, the demand for digitally capable, industry-ready professionals is rising sharply.
Yet, a persistent challenge remains – are engineering graduates truly prepared for the evolving demands of modern infrastructure projects?
In this conversation, Dr. Madhuri Dubey, Founder and Director, National Skills Network-NSN speaks with Prof. B. Sunil Kumar, Director, Indian Institute of Infrastructure and Construction (IIIC), Kerala, about bridging the skill gap in construction education, integrating digital technologies like BIM into core learning, aligning programs with live industry requirements, and preparing a future-ready workforce for India’s infrastructure ambitions.
Below are a few excerpts from our conversation. You can watch the full video on our YouTube channel.
Q. Why does the construction sector need higher-education-led skill integration?
A. There is a clear disconnect between academic learning and industry expectations. Engineering colleges largely focus on theoretical knowledge and examinations, while industry demands job-ready professionals with practical exposure.
As a result, companies often spend one to two years retraining fresh graduates before they become productive. This impacts both employability and starting salaries.
At IIIC, we address this gap by aligning programs directly with entry-level job roles in construction and infrastructure, ensuring graduates acquire the exact skills required by industry before stepping into projects.
Q. Why is civil engineering regaining importance in India?
A. For over a decade, core branches like civil engineering saw declining interest due to attractive salaries in the IT sector and perceptions about physically demanding site work.
However, the scenario is changing. India’s infrastructure growth is accelerating, and between 2024 and 2030, the country is projected to invest nearly $1.7 trillion in infrastructure, with thousands of projects under the National Infrastructure Pipeline.
This scale of development requires:
- Skilled engineers and technocrats
- Project managers with digital capabilities
- Technicians trained in modern construction practices
Construction is once again emerging as a high-growth, high-reward career path.
Q. What makes IIIC’s program model unique?
A. IIIC is a dedicated Centre of Excellence focused exclusively on construction, infrastructure, and real estate.
What sets us apart is the range of learners we serve; from school dropouts to engineering graduates and working professionals, all under one campus. We consciously refer to them as “trainees” rather than students, to shift their mindset toward professionalism and industry readiness from day one.
The institute integrates strong industry participation through adjunct faculty and visiting professionals, ensuring that learning reflects real-world project environments rather than just classroom theory.
Q. How is digital transformation embedded into construction training?
A. Construction is rapidly transitioning to digital platforms, and skill development must keep pace.
At IIIC:
- BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a mandatory core subject in all managerial programs.
- Trainees are prepared to operate within digital project environments.
- Curriculum design reflects global trends in smart construction practices.
Our objective is to ensure that trainees entering the industry are comfortable working with digital systems, not learning them after recruitment.
Q. Can education be delivered effectively online?
A. While hybrid formats can support certain programs, construction training requires strong industry interaction and hands-on exposure. Fresh graduates need mentoring, professional grooming, and real-time engagement with practitioners.
Fully online models may not deliver the holistic development required at entry level. However, for working professionals seeking career progression, blended or online modules can be effective.
Q. What future job roles will emerge in the next 5–10 years?
A. The construction industry is moving toward automation and advanced technologies. In the coming years, we expect growth in areas such as:
- Prefabricated and precast construction
- 3D printing of buildings
- Automation and robotics in construction
- Digitally managed infrastructure projects
India may currently have manpower advantages, but technology adoption will increase rapidly, and skill preparation must begin now.
Also read: How AI is Shaping the Future of Construction through Skill Development
Q. What message would you give to aspiring professionals?
A. Construction offers far stronger long-term career growth than many realize. While entry-level roles may involve site exposure, growth trajectories and compensation levels are highly competitive.
At IIIC, we have achieved 100% core industry placement, including international recruitment from countries such as Germany, Australia, and the Middle East.
The sector is not just about working under the sun; it is about building the nation’s future and creating global career opportunities.
