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
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
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.