On Mars
Can Colonists in the Working Area make up for a missing tech level when building a complex?
Yes, but only when an Advanced Building's Executive action builds, such as Metal Deposit, Wind Turbines, Moisture Vaporator, Hydroponic Farm, Concentrator or Gym. Each Colonist sent to your Working Area adds one level, and the tech may belong to anyone, but it must already be in play. They raise a level; they cannot substitute for a tech nobody owns or for normal builds.