A clerk of works inspects the workmanship, quality and safety of work on construction sites and reports back to senior managers and clients. As a clerk of work, you’d be conducting regular site inspections and checking that building plans are being followed correctly. You’d check that work is being carried out to the correct specifications and legal, safety and environmental standards.
There are several routes to becoming a clerk of works. You can gain the qualifications you need by doing a university course or an apprenticeship. If you already have relevant experience, you could apply for a role directly.
You should explore the options to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options will list qualification requirements many employers are more interested in people who have a depth of experience in the construction industry.
You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.
You could study for a foundation degree, a higher national diploma (HND) or an undergraduate degree. Relevant subjects include building studies, construction, surveying or engineering. Afterwards, you may be able to join a company’s graduate trainee scheme.
An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry.
Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will 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.
You could apply for a construction technical and professional advanced apprenticeship. Alternatively, you could enrol on a construction site supervision higher apprenticeship. This will take up to three years to complete. In both cases, you’ll train on-the-job with time at a local training provider.
If you are already working as a tradesperson, building technician or surveying assistant you may be able to become a clerk of works through on-the-job training. You could do a Level 2 SVQ/NVQ Diploma in Site Inspection, for instance.
If you already have several years’ construction experience, you could apply directly for a job as a clerk of works.
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 in construction. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.
Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as clerk of works include:
To become a clerk of works you will need:
To become a clerk of works you could complete a:
To become a clerk of works you will need:
As a clerk of works you will be responsible for inspecting construction work to ensure it meets standards and health and safety requirements.
The job role of a clerk of work involves the following duties:
The expected salary for a clerk of works varies as you become more experienced.
Salaries typically depend on location, employer and level of responsibility. Salaries and career options improve with chartered status.
* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources
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People often work as a construction or engineering tradesperson or technician for several years before becoming a clerk of works.
To be a clerk of works, your employer may ask that you join the Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate (ICWCI).
With experience, you could move into construction management, surveying or civil engineering and earn a higher salary.
You could become a tutor, or set up as a self-employed consultant.
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