What does a construction project manager do?
Construction project managers deal with the day-to-day running of a construction project from start to finish.
Your job could include:
- consulting with architects and surveyors to develop a plan, including timescales, resources required and costs involved.
- developing schedules of work required for each day, from initial preparation of the site to final completion.
- overseeing day-to-day work once building starts, checking progress and quality of the build.
- ensuring the site meets health and safety and building regulations.
- providing updates on progress to the customer
What do I need to do to become a construction project manager?
You can enter this job by either an academic or vocational route.
Most people take level 2 and/or level 3 courses in construction and the built environment. For example, you could achieve a level 2 qualification (without five GCSE C grades or above) and work your way up.
You could also take level 3 qualifications and get work experience to work your way up, or progress to a degree in a related subject.
At A level, a combination of science or technical subjects would be useful. You could also combine A levels with a vocational qualification such as a BTEC/diploma in construction.
There are a range of HNC and HND/diploma qualifications which would be useful in the following areas:
- building studies and building engineering
- surveying and civil engineering
- construction engineering
- construction management
Alternatively you could take an apprenticeship in a construction-related role and work your way up to this career.
Academic route
- A levels: a combination of science or technical subjects
Vocational route
- Apprenticeship in construction-related role
- HNC
- HND
Desirable qualifications
- Degree in a related area
- Foundation degree in a related area
- Five GCSEs grade A-C, including maths, English and science