Clerk of Works
What is the work like?
As a clerk of works, or site inspector, you would oversee the quality and safety of work on a construction site, making sure that building plans are being followed correctly.
Your duties would include:
- regular inspections of the work on site
- measuring and sampling building materials to check their quality
- recording results either on paper or a hand-held PDA
- identifying defects and suggesting ways to correct them
- liaising with other construction staff, such as contractors, engineers and surveyors
- monitoring and reporting progress to construction managers and clients.
You may also be responsible for supervising the workforce on the building site during a project.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would usually become a clerk of works after gaining experience within the construction or engineering industries at craft or technician level. Many employers also insist that you hold membership of the Institute of Clerks of Works of Great Britain (ICWGB), which is the recognised industry body for this area of work.
See the job profiles in the Construction and Manufacturing and Engineering categories for details about craft and technician roles in construction and engineering.
You could start out as a trainee with a company after taking a BTEC HNC/HND, foundation degree or degree in construction or engineering, and work your way up. To search for colleges and universities offering these courses visit the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
Visit the ConstructionSkills website to find out more about getting into this career.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working as a clerk of works, you could take work-based qualifications like the NVQ Site Inspection at levels 3 and 4. This contains units for:
- monitoring contract, quality and progress
- health and safety
- managing the performance of teams and individuals.
You could help your career prospects by joining the ICWGB, which offers continuing professional development courses for its members. You can join the ICWGB at a membership grade that matches your level of experience. Although you do not have to take its qualifications, they are increasingly required by employers and are recognised world wide. To find out more, visit the ICWGB website.
Where can I go for more information?
Bircham NewtonKing's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577
Lynch Wood
Peterborough
PE2 6LR
Tel: 01733 405160
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Clerks of works can earn between £21,000 and £40,000 year.
- Very experienced clerks of works can earn up to £50,000 and sometimes higher, depending on the contract.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally make site inspections Monday to Friday, working between 35 and 40 hours a week. There may be weekend or evening work, particularly when project deadlines are close.
You would have a site office, often set up in a temporary cabin, but you would spend a lot of your time outside on the site. Some of your work would involve making inspections from scaffolding or ladders, and you may sometimes work underground, for example in tunnel construction.
You may be based at one site for the duration of a building project or travel between sites to carry out inspections and meet contractors. Some jobs may require extended periods of time away from home.
The nature of the work means that you are likely to need a driving licence.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to pay close attention to detail
- an in-depth knowledge of the construction industry, including materials and building methods
- a sound knowledge of Building Regulations, planning controls, and health and safety
- good organisational and project management skills
- good problem-solving skills
- excellent communication and negotiating skills
- good written communication skills for completing paperwork and reports
- the ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with staff at all levels
- a good level of fitness and a head for heights
- the ability to meet performance targets and deliver projects on time and on budget.
What opportunities are there?
Opportunities for qualified staff are good. You can find work with local authorities, health authorities, and construction and engineering firms. You could also work for private companies specialising in consultancy work.
With experience, you could progress to overall site management and from there, into general construction management. You could also work on a self-employed basis.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in a new window)
Careerstructure
ConstructionJobsNet
JustConstruction
ICWGB jobs
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