Building site manager, construction site supervisor, clerk of works
Site inspectors monitor all work carried out on a construction site to ensure safety and quality standards are upheld. They make sure that building plans and specifications are being followed correctly and manage staff and subcontractors on building sites. They also attend site management meetings and help project managers to plan work.
Average salary*
£25000 – £50000+
Typical hours per week
44-46
How to become a site inspector
There are several routes to becoming a site inspector. You can gain the qualifications you need by completing a university or college course, an apprenticeship, or on-the-job training. You should explore the options to find out which is the right one for you. Usually, a site inspector will have had several years’ experience in the construction industry.
You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.
University
You could complete an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject such as:
- Construction engineering
- Building studies
- Civil engineering
- Construction management
- Construction engineering
- Surveying.
For an undergraduate degree, you’ll need:
- 5 GCSEs (including English and maths) at grade 4 (C) or above, or equivalent
- 2 – 3 A levels, or equivalent.
Entrants with other industry relevant qualifications might be considered, for example:
- IOSH Working Safely
- IOSH Managing Safely
- CITB Site Safety Plus training courses.
> Equivalent entry requirements explained
College/training provider
If you’re working on site or have experience in construction you could complete a college course such as Level 3 Diploma in Construction Site Supervisory Studies, Level 4 Diploma in Construction Site Supervision or Level 4 Diploma in Construction Site Management.
You’ll need:
- 4 – 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent (level 3 course)
- 4 – 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), plus A Levels, or equivalent (level 4 course).
> Equivalent entry requirements explained
Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry. If you have some experience in the construction industry, you can start by doing a higher apprenticeship as a construction site supervisor. This may take up to three years to complete.
You’ll need up to 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent to become an apprentice.
Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you’ll be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.
> Find an apprenticeship near you
Work
If you’ve already worked in supporting roles within project teams and have proven management experience or qualifications, you may be able to apply directly for a role as a site inspector.
Work experience
Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a site inspector. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.
Skills
Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a site inspector include:
- An eye for detail and a logical approach to inspecting a site
- Project management skills
- Good organisational skills
- Be able to cope with working at height.
What does a site inspector do?
As a site inspector you could be:
- Doing regular inspections of construction sites
- Liaising between different departments
- Monitoring the complete building process
- Safeguarding the quality of work
- Ensuring adherence to proposed plans
- Arranging meetings
- Predicting potential problems
- Ensuring adherence to legislation.
How much could you earn as a site inspector?
The expected salary for a site inspector varies as you become more experienced.
- Newly trained site inspectors can earn £25,000 – £30,000
- Trained site inspectors with some experience can earn £30,000 – £40,000
- Senior site inspectors can earn £40,000 – £50,000.*
Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.
* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources
Find an apprenticeship/job
Apprenticeships
Jobs
Check out the latest site inspector vacancies:
As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.
Career path and progression
As a site inspector, you could progress in your career to become a contracts manager, compliance manager or construction director.