Building operation and maintenance: Education needs in Hong Kong

Purpose: Built facilities, in order to be sustainable, have to be operated and maintained by practitioners who possess the appropriate types and levels of knowledge. The study reported in this paper aims to identify the available higher education programmes in this relation and to investigate what kinds of education are needed by the operation and maintenance (O&M) practitioners in Hong Kong. Design/methodology/approach: The published information of the building-related programmes offered by the local higher education institutions was reviewed. A questionnaire, designed, piloted and distributed with the support given by the leading O&M society in Hong Kong, was used to survey the perceptions and opinions of the practitioners. Findings: No education programme had been tailored for producing professionals to meet the rising demand for O&M works. The practitioners indicated their strong wish to learn more, in particular, about energy and environmental management, and testing and commissioning. Their desire for dedicated O&M programmes was also overwhelming. Research limitations/implications: The survey and analysis method used in the study may be taken to investigate the education needs in other developing industries. Practical implications: The relatively low levels that the practitioners perceived about their knowledge in most aspects of their works imply that there is room for improving work quality through enhancing O&M education. Originality/value: The survey findings unveiled the contemporary education needs of the O&M practitioners, which are essential information that supports the development of some matching courses.