All Job Categories
Building site inspector
Clerk of works, construction inspector, building site supervisor
Building site inspectors check the quality and safety of construction work.
Average salary (a year)
£21000
Starter
£50000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
41.0 to 43.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends
occasionally
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; a college course; an apprenticeship; working towards this role; applying directly
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in
building studies, construction, civil engineering, surveying
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
College
Once you have some construction experience, you could complete a college course to help you progress to site supervisor and inspector roles.
Courses include
Level 3 Diploma in Construction Site Supervisory Studies, Level 4 Diploma in Construction Site Supervision, Level 4 Certificate or Diploma in Construction Site Management
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course
More Information
search for courses|/find-a-course
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships relevant to this role include
construction site supervisor higher apprenticeship, construction site engineering technician higher apprenticeship, construction site management degree apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work
You could work as a site tradesperson, building technician or surveying assistant and move up to become a site inspector through on-the-job training.
Direct Application
You could apply directly to work as a building site inspector. To do this, you'll need several years' construction experience. Qualifications in health and safety will also be useful.
More Information
Registrations
you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site
Professional And Industry Bodies
You could join the Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate. They offer professional development and technical advice to people working in the building industry.
Further Information
You'll find more advice on how to become a building site inspector from Go Construct.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    Knowledge of building and construction
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    Customer service skills
    The ability to use your initiative
    Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    Maths knowledge
    Analytical thinking skills
    The ability to analyse quality or performance
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
In this role you will
inspect construction sites, check that work is following building regulations, make sure that work is following project plans, measure and sample building materials to check their quality, find defects and recommend ways to fix them, monitor work progress, write reports for construction managers and clients
Working environment
You could work in an office or on a construction site.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience, you could move into site management, building surveying, civil engineering or construction management.
You could also set up your own site inspection business and work as a consultant, or move into training.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
Powered by
Claim your school or college profile