The Expected Digital Skills of Artisans in the Construction Industry: A Systematic Literature Review

Construction companies have begun automating construction activities with novel and smart technologies. Therefore, what will construction artisans do when all artisanal works in the construction industry require digital skills to perform? The study reviewed 29 publications on digital skills needed by construction artisans to perform digital workflows which were obtained from Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. There were no empirical records of digital skills for construction artisans in literature. However, the research sought to exploit the following; In Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills, artisans should be able to network and market their crafts online, create and send emails, and search for information via the Internet. Additionally, technical digital skills such as operating automated machines like masonry robotics and concrete 3D printers to perform masonry tasks and reading and executing digital drawings at the site are also recommended. The world is moving digitally, and traditional skills and tools are fading out speedily. Artisans need to be aware of the digital trend and prepare to upskill themselves with industry 4.0 skills, through apprenticeship or training. This will enable them to increase their revenue, efficiency and health and safety.