Issues in Developing a Blended Learning Initiative to meet Continuing Professional Development needs of Construction Professionals in Ireland

The need for continuing professional development (CPD) in both the UK and Ireland has been recognised by the construction sector. CPD and lifelong learning are vital to individual and organisational success. All individuals learn in different ways from listening, watching, questioning, doing and helping others to learn. Lifelong learning programmes aimed at people in the workplace must be suited to their particular needs. When addressing learning needs using technology, management, staff and technical support in higher-level institutes face new challenges and are required to make new decisions. Higher-level institutes are at different stages of technology deployment in addressing learning needs. A concern for all involved in these undertaking is the cost of deploying content to be delivered online. On-line higher education learning is part of the growing trend in lifelong learning. The academic issues that need to be considered in developing an e–learning environment to promote the learning of construction professionals and bridge the gap between industry and academia are outlined. A proposed blended learning initiative to meet CPD needs in the Irish construction industry is discussed. The structure of this new blended approach is outlined.