Construction manager

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.

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
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

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

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
• guide to apprenticeships

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.