Site supervisor
Check that work on a building site is being done properly and that the workers are safe.
Also known as: clerk of works, warranty manager, site inspector, building quality officer
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£404
Entry level
£962
Experienced
Monthly
£1,750
Entry level
£4,167
Experienced
Yearly
£21,000
Entry level
£50,000
Experienced
4,200
people are currently employed
High growth
400 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would check that work on a building site is being done properly and that the workers are safe
You’d oversee the quality and safety of work on a construction site. You’d check that the work matches the building plans and specifications.
You’d make sure that health and safety rules are being followed.
You would:
Regularly inspect the work on site
Compare the work with the drawings and specifications
Check the quality of the building materials
Keep a record of your findings
Identify where work is not good enough and suggest ways to make it better
Deal with other construction staff, such as contractors, engineers and surveyors
Report progress to construction managers, architects and clients
You might also be responsible for supervising the workforce on the building site during a project.
Hours
Environment
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- understanding
- analysing
- negotiating
- making decisions
- researching
- questioning
- observation
- written communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Foundation Apprenticeship: Construction
Engineering Science
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Civil Engineering
Skills for Work: Building Services Engineering
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There is no set entry route into this role.
Relevant experience is essential. This might be work-based experience through qualifications such as a Modern Apprenticeship in Construction: Technical (SCQF Level 7) which includes preparation for supervisory roles.
In some cases a relevant degree (SCQF level 9/10) is required.
Some employers require you to be a member of The Institute of Clerks of Works (ICWCI).
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to work on a site. You must pass a health and safety test to qualify for this scheme.
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