Construction superintendents oversee the manufacturing force and require at least five years of experience, training, and education in safety and construction management. Some companies prefer to hire experienced superintendents from outside, while others may promote from within.
In the construction field, there are many levels of employees, from the workforce to the executives, all working together to complete a project. A construction superintendent is usually an employee in charge of the manufacturing force and may or may not be considered a manager. The hierarchy of a construction company will largely depend on the size of the company and what aspects of construction it undertakes. To become a construction superintendent, an individual needs some specific training and may be required to have related education.
Whether working in residential or commercial construction, construction superintendents often gain experience as a member of the craft force. Many workers start out as apprentices, learning the trade from more experienced workers and then, through experience and additional training, gain qualifications that lead them to positions of greater responsibility. Some companies require that all employees receive training and continuing education in areas such as confined spaces, hazardous materials and equipment, and personal safety. Other companies may offer these courses and training sessions available only to those who are interested. In any case, if an employee wants to become a construction superintendent, he or she must participate in all mandatory and voluntary continuing education and training offered by the company.
In addition to training and on-the-job experience, many construction superintendents have some degree of college education. While not required by many companies to fill the role of superintendent, construction management education and related programs are beneficial. Some companies see project managers and superintendents as the same role, while other companies separate the two. The project manager can be thought of as a manager, while the superintendent is a higher level vessel force employee and can be thought of as a boss or supervisor. In government sectors, construction superintendents may be required to hold degrees in civil engineering or a related field, in addition to having work experience.
To become a construction superintendent, most companies expect at least five years of experience, plus a record of training and education in safety and construction management. Purchasing multiple certifications available in the field will further score skills. The construction superintendent’s role varies, but safety, leadership, and quality control top the list. Communicating and coordinating the workforce, subcontractors and suppliers may also be a requirement. After becoming a superintendent or construction supervisor, other responsibilities can be assigned as the company deems necessary.
Some companies prefer to hire experienced superintendents from outside the company, while others may promote from within, where workers can be trained in the company’s way of doing things. However, there are many certification agencies in the construction industry where training and education travel from company to company. To become a construction superintendent, a solid combination of experience and education in the field is required.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
