There are a few options for how to become a site manager, such as starting at the bottom as a trainee or assistant site manager and working your way up or obtaining an education to obtain certified and getting right into it with SBSkills.
University
Many site managers start their careers by obtaining a relevant HNC/HND or bachelor’s degree.
BSc (Hons) Construction Management is the official degree designation for this program, which may be studied full-time or part-time. It provides you with all of the skills needed for site management and, if completed, allows you to join the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) as well as provide proof of a construction project
A construction project management, civil engineering, construction engineering, estimating and building studies HNC/HND is another excellent alternative that employers value.
To enrol in these programs, you’ll generally need the following items:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for an HNC/HND
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree.
Work experience
It is feasible to start in an auxiliary construction position and work your way up to a site manager by gaining experience. If you’re employed as an estimator, building technician, surveyor, or site supervisor with several years of expertise, you might advance to a site manager.
Many organizations, on the other hand, may demand you to acquire a bachelor’s or HNC/HND degree, which can be completed part-time while working.
To be a fully-fledged site manager, however, you’ll need more skills. A Black Construction Skills Certificate Scheme (CSCS) card is one of them.
How do you get a Black CSCS Card?
The Black CSCS Card (often known as the Black Manager’s Card) is a manager-level CSCS card that indicates the owner has prior experience in a management role on a construction site and can do so safely.
Although the card isn’t required by law, most businesses want their website managers to have one. You must complete the following tasks to obtain the card:
- Construction management or technical-related NVQ/SVQ at level 6 or 7 is required.
- There are no prerequisites for this position, but you must have completed a CITB Managers and Professionals (MAP) Health, Safety & Environment Test in the last two years.
Learn more about the many CSCS cards from SBSkills.
How long does a Black CSCS card last?
Black CSCS Cards have a five-year validity and must be renewed after that. You can renew the card six months before it expires, as well as six months after. however, it is better to renew as soon as possible to avoid losing your accreditation. Here’s where you may learn more about renewal procedures.
What Site Manager NVQs do you need?
To work as a competent site manager, you must have a Level 6 NVQ in site management. It is one of the most advanced levels of education available and equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. The course, which usually takes six months to complete, is an intensive examination of your ability to execute construction site management tasks.
The course consists of six modules and two onsite assessment visits, and it is taught in the classroom as well as at seminars. To enrol for a Level 6 NVQ in site management, you must already be working as a construction site manager.
You may discover more about the NVQ by going here.
What HS&E Test do you need?
All site managers must pass the CITB Managers and Professionals (MAP) Health, Safety, and Environment Test, as we previously said. It’s a written test to see whether you understand your manager’s health and safety obligations in the workplace.
To guarantee that you have a thorough understanding of the relevant health and safety legislation and regulation, it is recommended that you take the SMSTS course before taking the HS&E test.
What is SMSTS?
The Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) is another key component of being a fully certified site manager. The course usually takes five days to finish and is valid for five years after finishing it.
What is the difference between a site manager and a site supervisor?
A site manager and a site supervisor are similar in many ways; however, some significant distinctions need supervisors to have greater experience and qualifications.
Site supervisors are more concerned with the day-to-day supervision of staff on-site than site managers. Managers, on the other hand, handle the bigger picture of a project, ensuring that activities are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards.
Managers are also extensively involved in project planning, drawing up plans and site reports before and throughout the building process.
Find out more about becoming a site manager
For additional information on obtaining your qualification, we recommend SBSkills and their vast array of construction courses.