Construction manager

You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

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

Find out about courses and universities accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building .

Courses are likely to include topics like project management, economics, IT and accounting.

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 apply to do an apprenticeship, for example:

• Construction Site Management Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
• Design and Construction Management Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These typically take between 3 and 4 years to complete, and are a mix of learning in the workplace and studying at an approved university.

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 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 may be able to move into this job after gaining several years' experience in another construction industry role, such as:

• estimator
• building technician
• surveyor
• site supervisor

You could apply directly for jobs if you've got several years' management experience in a related industry, like civil engineering.

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 Chartered Institute of Building , for professional recognition, to build your network of contacts and to hear about professional development opportunities.

Further Information

You can find out more about becoming a construction manager from:

• Go Construct
• Chartered Institute of Building

As a construction manager, you'll:

• review plans with architects, surveyors and engineers
• hire staff and make sure the site has the materials it needs
• organise work schedules
• monitor building progress and costs
• check the quality of the work your team has done
• report progress to clients, partners and local communities
• maintain and promote health and safety

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a construction manager to be a green job, you could:

• oversee the installation of energy efficiency measures on retrofit projects
• use sustainable materials on sites, like recycled steel or reclaimed wood
• educate stakeholders and colleagues about working sustainably

Find out more about green careers

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.