Construction site supervisor

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

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

Courses that offer the chance to gain work experience through a year in industry placement or paid internship may give you an advantage when looking for work.

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|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could do a college course, which may help you to find a trainee position, a place on an apprenticeship or entry onto a higher education course. Subjects include:

• construction and the built environment
• civil engineering
• T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a construction firm, such as:

• Construction Site Supervisor Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Civil Engineering Senior Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Construction Site Management Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These take around 3 years to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually 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|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could work as a site tradesperson, building technician or surveying assistant and become a site inspector through on-the-job training, like that offered by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) .

You could apply directly to work as a construction site supervisor. To do this, you'll need several years' experience and qualifications in construction. Awards in building health and safety would also be useful.

Registrations

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, industry news and useful resources.

Further Information

You'll find more details about training and working in construction from Go Construct and House Building Careers .

As a construction site supervisor, you could:

• plan site inspections with subcontractors
• examine building plans to make sure they meet set standards
• manage orders and deliveries of construction materials
• organise staff work schedules
• visit sites to inspect ongoing work and check safety procedures
• monitor progress and check the quality of materials and building work
• audit inspection processes to make sure they are effective
• complete site reports for construction managers

You could work on a construction site, at a client's business or in an office.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.