Construction managers supervise building projects from the planning stage to completion, ensuring they are finished on schedule, on budget, and to the needed quality standards.
They normally require a degree in construction management or a closely related discipline, as well as a number of years of work experience in the building sector.
A wise career selection can be aided by knowing this position’s responsibilities, compensation, and qualifications.
Almost 3.1 million professionals are employed in the UK’s construction sector, projected to rise by 3.4% in 2022.
With a projected £117 billion in total production in 2020, it has a major impact on the UK economy.
A project manager in the building and construction industry has to be skilled in verbal and written communication and leadership.
They will oversee and direct activities on a construction site, keep an eye on building development and its expenses, and report to clients.
Understand The Role Of A Construction Manager
From planning to completion, construction managers supervise projects and ensure they are finished on schedule, on budget, and to the needed quality standards.
They normally require many years of experience in the construction sector in addition to a degree in construction management or a closely related discipline.
They solicit client input to guarantee that the project complies with their requirements.
Budget management, contract negotiation, and ensuring projects are finished on schedule and under budget are all tasks that fall within the purview of construction managers.
To effectively interact with customers, architects, engineers, and other project stakeholders, they must also have great communication skills.
They must also devise plans for finishing a building project quickly, hire staff and subcontractors, deal with delays in the work, set deadlines, verify that the project complies with safety regulations, organize material deliveries, write work reports for clients, and create budgets.
Steps To Become A Construction Manager
Given below are the steps you must take to become successful in your career as a construction manager—
1. Compete Your Educational Courses
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum needed to become a construction manager (CM), while certain firms could insist on a master’s. It might also be advantageous to get experience through internships or entry-level jobs.
Most four-year college programs concentrate on design, structural science, engineering, materials management, economics, and other subjects.
It is also advantageous to take in-depth maths and statistics courses. Some businesses could accept a two-year associate’s degree with appropriate job experience.
A college degree in construction management or a similar profession might provide a competitive advantage and open up prospects for more pay and career growth.
Also, earning suitable certificates might improve your construction management credentials.
Ultimately, having a mix of education, experience, and qualifications might help you stand out as a more desirable candidate in the construction management industry.
2. Get Your License And Certificates Ready
The Certified Construction Manager (CCM) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications are the two most often used qualifications for construction managers.
Your dedication to quality and sustainability in the construction business can be shown in these credentials.
This certification is available to anyone working in the construction sector from the American Institute of Contractors (AIC).
You can obtain the Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) certificate from the AIC after gaining some experience in construction management.
Two programs are available from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): a 10-hour course and a 30-hour course.
You can pursue this accreditation from the Construction Management Association of America after providing a track record of excellence in construction management.
This qualification will demonstrate to potential employers and clients that you know all the duties that construction managers frequently handle.
3. Acquire The Skills You’ll Need
Although the talents required for project management differ by industry, certain crucial abilities can aid construction managers in their success.
- Motivational skills entail encouraging workers.
- Math skills require helping to create blueprints, measuring building sites, and keeping track of supplies and funds.
- Communication skills also include listening intently and delivering directions.
- Using internet resources helps improve math abilities while identifying the root causes of problems.
- Being flexible and paying attention to detail entails collecting precise measurements and ensuring the structure complies with all requirements.
- Paying attention to the little things might also reveal any safety procedures that the employees can have overlooked.
Once you gather and feel confident about these skills, you can apply for a job.
4. Job Applications
Jobs in construction management are available in a number of industries, including civil engineering, commercial, industrial, and residential.
You can learn about the newest trends and technology and find career possibilities by networking with other experts in the field.
Think about the places you want to work, the pay you need, and your area of expertise. When sending your CV out, make sure it stands out by highlighting your experience with an education in contracting.
Practice interview questions to impress the hiring manager and distinguish yourself from the competition.
You can also be ready for the interview by researching the business and the position you are looking for.
After the interview, follow up with a thank-you message and highlight your relevant experience and talents that make you a good fit for the job.
How To Progress Through Your Career In The Construction Industry?
A recognized construction management degree can be helpful when looking for entry-level jobs in the sector.
The construction salaries uk range from £20,000 to £50,000, and there is no ceiling on how much money one can make if one owns and run their own business.
The continual strain that comes with being a construction manager can be excruciating at times. Still, the gratification of seeing a project through to completion and the sense of success can often outweigh the stress.
Successful construction managers are well-respected in their field and can have a solid reputation that opens up additional doors for success and advancement.
A dynamic attitude, determination, and flexibility are essential to excel in this field.
Not only can having a recognized construction qualification improve your knowledge and abilities, but it also raises your prospects of job advancement and greater pay.
Also, it gives you the assurance you need to embark on challenging initiatives and guarantee their accomplishment.
Prepare Yourself For The Conditions
Working on-site can be risky, dirty, and loud, but it can also be satisfying since you can see the actual benefits of your labor and help create infrastructure or structures.
It’s critical to have effective time management abilities and the flexibility to adjust to changing conditions.
Working on-site can be risky, dirty, and loud, but it can also be satisfying since you can see the actual benefits of your labor and help create infrastructure or structures.
To reduce the chance of mishaps or injuries, it’s crucial to put on safety gear like hard hats, safety boots, earplugs, and goggles and to receive instructions on handling tools and equipment correctly.
