How do I become a Construction Planner?
If a career in the construction industry intrigues you, it’s possible to progress towards the role of a construction planner by acquiring the necessary skills and qualifications. Construction planners play a pivotal role in supervising and managing various facets of the construction process. By becoming a construction planner, you can enjoy a substantial income while utilising your valuable construction expertise.
What does a Construction Planner do?
- Planning and scheduling: Developing efficient strategies for project execution.
- Cost estimation: Calculating expenses for materials, labour, and equipment.
- Quality control and assurance: Conducting regular site inspections to maintain quality standards.
- Document coordination: Managing the creation of sketches and drafts.
- Budget monitoring: Keeping track of project expenses and financial management.
- Team coordination: Collaborating with engineers, architects, and other team members.
- Staff management: Supervising staff and organising work schedules.
- Logistics and transportation oversight: Managing the movement of materials.
- Communication: Engaging with clients and colleagues for effective project communication.
- Risk assessment: Ensuring on-site safety through thorough risk assessments.
What steps can I take to become a Construction Planner?
This role demands a comprehensive understanding of construction processes, ranging from budgeting and design to execution and safety. Below are routes to becoming a construction planner:
Educational Route:
Academic Pursuit: Many construction planners hold at least a bachelor’s degree in fields like construction management, project management, civil engineering, or building engineering. Some opt to further their education with a master’s degree in relevant engineering or management disciplines. While pursuing this academic path, gaining practical experience in construction is crucial. This can be attained by working part-time in the construction field during your studies or seeking entry-level positions in construction management upon graduation.
Work-Based Route:
Apprenticeships: Another way to ascend to the role of a construction planner is through apprenticeships. You can apply for apprenticeships in construction or an advanced apprenticeship in construction management. For an intermediate apprenticeship, typically, you would need two or more GCSEs with grades 9 to 4 (A* to C). An advanced apprenticeship usually requires three GCSEs with grades 9 to 4. Apprenticeships allow you to cultivate construction management skills while earning a salary. As Nicholas Associates is part of the Nicholas Associates Group of companies, we have access to Apprenticeship opportunities through AEA.
Entry-Level Positions: If you aspire to become a construction planner without pursuing a university degree, you can enter the industry through entry-level construction roles. Simultaneously, you can work towards obtaining qualifications in construction planning and management. For those already working in construction who want to enhance their skill set and credentials, the Institute for Construction Education (ICE) offers the ICE Level 3 Certificate in Construction Planning and Management. This program can be completed in six months of full-time study or eight months of part-time study. Alternatively, you can pursue accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) in Housing Project Management Professional.
We can support your job search if you’re interested in pursuing a career as a Construction Planner, simply get in touch with our team.
