Construction site supervisor

Building site manager, site inspector, clerk of works

Construction site supervisors manage staff and subcontractors on building sites.

Salary Range: £28,000 to £40,000

How to become a construction site supervisor

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• building studies
• construction management
• surveying
• civil engineering
• construction engineering

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

College

You could do a college course if you’re working on site or have experience in construction. Relevant subjects include:

• Level 3 Diploma in Construction Site Supervisory Studies
• Level 4 Diploma in Construction Site Supervision
• Level 4 Diploma in Construction Site Management

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More information

• funding advice
• search for courses

Apprenticeship

You can start by doing a higher apprenticeship as a construction site supervisor.

This may take up to 3 years to complete. You’ll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.

You’ll usually need experience in construction to do a higher apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

To do this apprenticeship, you’ll need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Work

You could move into this job through promotion and training, if you’ve got several years’ experience in a construction trade or civil engineering.

More information

Registration

• you’ll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate for professional development and advice on technical matters.

Further information

You’ll find more about training and working in construction from Go Construct.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You’ll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• leadership skills
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of building and construction
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and requirements

You’ll need to:

• be able to cope with working at height
• have a full driving licence

What you’ll do

Day-to-day tasks

You’ll be:

• supervising workers and subcontractors
• helping project managers to plan work
• managing orders and deliveries of construction materials
• organising staff work schedules
• checking work is carried out safely
• completing records for site reports
• attending site management meetings

Working environment

You could work at a client’s business or in an office.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

Career path and progression

With experience you could specialise in health and safety, contract management or move into general construction management.