By Eamonn Ryan
As digital technologies continue reshaping the construction industry, professionals entering the workforce are increasingly expected to combine technical expertise with digital proficiency.
Investing in the future workforce.
Holiak | Magnific.com
For many young professionals across Africa, practical exposure to industry software is becoming a critical stepping stone between education and employment.
Learning through real-world application
A similar experience to that of South African student Kabelo Mokoena has emerged in Ghana. For Quaye Adu-Aryee, construction was part of everyday life long before it became a career. Inspired by his father, a retired engineer who introduced him to electrical and masonry work as a child, he went on to study building technology and quantity surveying and construction economics.
Before joining RIB Software’s graduate programme in Ghana, Adu-Aryee had already begun exploring artificial intelligence tools and digital workflows to improve productivity. While researching software solutions, he discovered RIB Candy and later joined the programme.
The practical assignments proved revolutionary. “It was like do or die. I had to do the work, so I just had to understand the software,” says Adu-Aryee.
Combining software and artificial intelligence
As his confidence with the software grew, Adu-Aryee began incorporating artificial intelligence tools into his workflow to improve efficiency and productivity. Today, he applies these skills both in his role with a subcontractor involved in road infrastructure projects and through his own independent quantity surveying work.
His experience reflects a broader trend within the industry, where digital tools, automation and data-driven decision-making are becoming central to project delivery.
Preparing professionals for a digital future
RIB Software believes practical exposure to industry-standard technologies helps students better understand how projects are planned, costed, monitored and delivered in real-world environments. Beyond technical competency, these experiences build confidence, strengthen problem-solving abilities and support a smoother transition into professional roles.
While traditional construction knowledge remains essential, digital skills are becoming equally important. Future professionals will increasingly need to be comfortable working with:
- Data analysis and interpretation.
- Construction management software.
- Integrated project management platforms.
- Digital collaboration tools.
- Cost management systems.
- Project planning and controls technologies.
- Artificial intelligence-assisted workflows.
The implications extend beyond construction alone. Across the HVAC&R industry, digital skills are becoming fundamental as professionals work with smart building systems, energy management platforms, BIM environments, IoT-enabled equipment and integrated facility management solutions.
Investing in the future workforce
Ultimately, investing in students and young professionals is an investment in the future of the industry itself. As Africa’s infrastructure ambitions continue to expand, success will depend not only on technology and project delivery but also on building a workforce with the confidence and digital skills required to support that growth.
As South Africa marks Youth Day, RIB Software believes preparing the next generation of professionals goes beyond providing access to technology. Through training programmes, workshops and practical learning opportunities, the industry has an opportunity to develop a more skilled, confident and digitally enabled workforce.
For sectors such as construction and HVAC&R, where productivity, efficiency, sustainability and digitalisation are increasingly shaping project outcomes, developing digitally competent young professionals may prove to be one of the most valuable investments organisations can make.
Source: Supplied by RIB
