Construction manager
Managerial

Related videos on a construction manager

How to become a construction manager

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building in a subject like:

• building studies or building engineering
• surveying or civil engineering
• construction engineering
• construction site management
• estimating

Courses are likely to include project management, economics, IT and accounts.

University (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

Apprenticeship

You may be able to complete a higher or degree apprenticeship in construction management, or design and construction management.

Apprenticeship (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

Work

You could move into this job if you're working as an estimator, building technician, surveyor or site supervisor and have several years' experience in the building industry.

Direct application

You may be able to apply directly if you've got several years' management experience in a related industry like civil engineering.

More info

Registration

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

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a construction manager from Go Construct and The Chartered Institute of Building.

What it takes

Skills & Knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of building and construction
• maths knowledge
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• leadership skills
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• business management skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restriction & Requirements

You'll usually need a driving licence to travel to different sites

What you'll do

Day to day

Your day-to-day activities may include:

• checking plans with architects, surveyors and engineers
• hiring staff and buying materials
• planning work schedules
• monitoring building progress and costs
• checking quality
• reporting to clients
• maintaining and promoting health and safety

Working environment

You could work on a construction site or at a client's business. Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, at height and you may spend nights away from home. You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Career path & progression

With experience, you could progress into contract management or consultancy. With further training, you could move into support services like health and safety and building inspection. You can improve your career prospects by getting chartered status, through an industry body like the The Chartered Institute of Building.