The Future Workshop project, funded by the Hessian Ministry of Economics, Energy, Transport and Housing, aims to integrate digital tools and media into training and use them effectively.
For this purpose, teaching methods are developed, tested, and implemented that bridge the gap between craft learning and the digitally changed professional and experiential worlds. The goal is to expand the competencies of the apprentices and enable sustainable positive learning experiences.
Apprentices Use the 123onsite App
To teach the apprentices how digital networking between office and construction site works, the construction site documentation and time tracking software 123onsite was integrated into a two-week inter-company apprentice training course (ÜLU) together with the instructor. First-year masonry apprentices, mostly training in small businesses with five to ten employees, use the app to manage and document their practice construction sites. None of the apprentices had prior experience with software apps for construction site management.
123onsite is the Most Comprehensive Time Tracking App
The 123onsite solution had already performed well in a survey conducted by the Frankfurt-Rhein-Main Chamber of Crafts as part of a webinar for businesses on “Digital Time tracking / Time Sheets” in 2021.
Work Crew Equipped with Tablets
Since 123onsite is market-compatible and easy to use, it made sense to use the app in the masonry ÜLU. The relatively low effort and quick familiarization also spoke in favor of 123onsite.
It was important not to convey dry theory, but for the apprentices to learn about the app in practical use through selected functions. An employee and the instructor took on the role of the craft business and set up work tasks as projects on the computer in the instructor’s office. All apprentices assumed the role of employees on the construction site. This simulated an everyday practical usage scenario. The participants were divided into two work crews. Each crew received a tablet with the 123onsite app installed. Every day, the instructor appointed a different crew leader.
This person logged their crew in and out of the app each morning and evening. Additionally, they documented the daily construction progress with photos and entered explanatory notes such as materials used, etc. for the daily construction report. The app automatically transfers this data to the instructor’s computer in the office.
Reflecting Operational Practice
Although the focus of inter-company apprentice training is on learning craft skills, documenting times, individual work steps, and material usage reflects operational practice. The ease of use of 123onsite on the mobile device does not in any way impair other learning content due to the minimal time required.
“Aha Moment”
The advantage of working with the app was well received by the future masons. Through its practical relevance, it gives them insight into the business side of their actions and conveys the importance of their own activities on the construction site for the company. Understanding the efficiency gains through this digital tool, such as eliminating multiple manual time recordings, was an “aha moment” for the young people.
While they had previously only used apps privately on their smartphones, using a mobile device for professional purposes was new. In a survey, the majority of trainees expressed that using the digital tools is enjoyable and motivates them in learning. The use of 123onsite also gave them a good impression of the importance and possibilities of such digital solutions in their profession.
This pilot project has shown how important it is to learn digital tools in order to be open to the use of IT in the profession and to be optimally equipped for the developments in the construction industry. Therefore, the Zukunftswerkstatt will also use the app in further courses and trades. The employees are also happy to share their experiences with other vocational training providers in the crafts sector.
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Image credits: HWK Frankfurt-Rhein-Main.
