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70 APPENDIX A â GLOSSARY OF TERMS This study involves creating key definitions used in the Guide. The Guide will help to create a common vocabulary and set of practices that will promote learning and the exchange of construction inspector training and certification programs. Below is a list of key terms and their associated definitions of construction inspectors and general construction inspections. Abilities: The capacity to apply knowledge and skills simultaneously to complete a task. Abilities also relate to personal and social attributes, which tend to be either innate or acquired without formal instruction Academic Competencies: Knowledge, skills, and abilities learned in an educational setting, typically K-12 schooling, and higher education Advanced-level construction inspector: Understands and demonstrates proficiency in skills in a variety of responsibilities and performs specialized tasks with little to no supervision. Advanced- level inspectors can also be supervisors. Associate degree: An associate degree is a two-year college degree typically obtained from a community college and granted after a high school diploma but before a bachelor's degree Bachelorâs degree: A bachelor's degree is an undergraduate academic degree in which students study a subject of their choice Career development: The process of progressing individuals through a career process that benefits both the individual and the agency Certification/Qualification: A formal recognition that an individual has met specific requirements within an inspection field by demonstrating proficiency in knowledge, skills, and abilities. The terms certification and qualification are used interchangeably throughout this Guide. Construction Inspector: An individual whose primary responsibility is to verify that the work meets standards and specifications by observing and measuring contract performance. STAs may also refer to construction inspectors as technicians or hold other titles and/or may perform non- inspection responsibilities. Core Competencies: A combination of knowledge, skills, performance behaviors, and personal attributes (e.g., knowledge, skills, and abilities) that contribute to improved employee performance and organizational success Effectiveness Competencies: Knowledge, skills, and abilities that represent the personal attributes of an individual Entry-level construction inspector: A new employee with little to no previous experience in construction inspection and performs responsibilities under direct supervision. Formal training: Methods of training that use an instructor or facilitator and occur at an established place and time. Formal training includes instructor-led training in a classroom, instructor-led training with hands-on applications, and instructor-led virtual training. Inspection: The act of examining, measuring, or testing to determine the degree of compliance with requirements in conformance with the design specifications and contract
71 Instructor-led training: Any training provided (in person or online) with a facilitator instructing students throughout the training. Intermediate-level construction inspector: Understands and demonstrates competency in skills in one or more areas of the entry-level, and performs inspection responsibilities under general supervision. Internship: Construction inspection position geared toward currently enrolled students in a transportation-related field (e.g., engineering, construction management, construction technology, etc.) that incorporates short-term employment for students to gain practical on-the-job experience and exposure to the STA organization Knowledge: The subjects, topics, and items of information that an individual possesses. Knowledge represents bodies of information that are applied directly to the performance of work functions Knowledge management: Refers to the practical, efficient, and timely knowledge transfer from transitioning employees to the entry and midcareer workforce Masterâs degree: A masterâs degree is an advanced degree completed after obtaining a bachelorâs degree focusing on a specific subject of study. Education: The knowledge and understanding that a person possesses Mentoring: An established education and training method for newly hired inspectors in which an experienced inspector is paired with a less experienced inspector to advise and guide them to perform their work responsibilities Training: The process of providing new knowledge and skills to perform specific responsibilities and improve performance Online training: Training done in a virtual or simulated environment, or when the learner and the instructor are in separate locations rather than in a traditional classroom setup. On-the-job training: The training and learning obtained from experience while on the job gain new knowledge by proceeding through materials at their own speed and schedule. Recruitment: The process of identifying the construction inspector workforce needs of STAs, advertising open inspection positions, and hiring candidates into these positions based on educational background and previous experience Retention: The share of STA employees who continue working for the agency over a specified time period (retention is the inverse of employee turnover) Self-paced learning: A learning process that does not include a facilitator or instructor. Students Skills: Personal, professional, and technical proficiencies, which are learned through training. Skills are typically observable and measurable Technical competencies: Specific knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform construction inspection responsibilities Turnover rate: The percentage or number of individuals that leave a place of employment over a certain period (e.g., quarterly, annually) Workplace competencies: General knowledge and skills needed to perform work duties
