Can You Run a Building Site If You Pass the SSSTS Course?
The SSSTS course (Site Supervisors’ Safety Training Scheme) is an essential qualification for those in supervisory roles within the construction industry. It provides a solid foundation in health and safety regulations- but does it qualify you to run a building site? In this blog, we’ll clarify what the SSSTS course allows you to do, its limitations, and all the other qualifications that will help you succeed in a site supervisor role.
What Does the SSSTS Course Prepare You For?
The SSSTS course is designed to equip site supervisors with the knowledge and skills to maintain safety on-site. It covers topics such as risk assessments, method statements, legal responsibilities, and how to effectively communicate health and safety requirements to workers. The course is the recognised industry standard for supervisors, particularly in the UK.
Can You Run a Site With the SSSTS Course?
Technically the SSSTS course is more so aimed at site supervisors than at site managers. If you’re fully in charge of a construction site (in which case your job title would typically be ‘site manager’ rather than ‘site supervisor’; the latter is considered more of an entry-level management role), then the SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) course is probably your better option. However, that’s not necessarily to say that you wouldn’t be eligible for site manager roles if you only hold the SSSTS certification. It all depends on what specific employers are looking for, and in many cases, your hands-on experience in the industry will be ultimately more valuable than your qualifications.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Manage a Construction Site?
If your goal is to run a building site, the quickest route would typically be to acquire qualifications beyond the SSSTS course. The most common of these include:
- SMSTS certification: A five-day course designed for site managers, covering site organisation, health and safety legislation, and leadership responsibilities
- NVQ Level 6 or 7 in Construction Management: A vocational qualification demonstrating your ability to manage a construction site effectively
- Black CSCS Card: Often required for site managers, this is typically obtained through an NVQ in construction management
Conclusion: Can You Run a Building Site If You Pass the SSSTS Course?
If you’re currently in a supervisory role or looking to step up in your career, the SSSTS course is an excellent starting point. It helps you build essential health and safety knowledge, which can be a stepping stone to further training. However, if your goal is to manage an entire site, you may need to progress to the SMSTS course or gain an NVQ qualification in site management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Run a Building Site with SSSTS Certification?
While you can run a building site with SSSTS certification, it is more so aimed at site supervisors than site managers. Other qualifications, like the SMSTS certification, an NVQ Level 6 or 7 in Construction Management, and a Black CSCS Card are typically required for site manager roles.
If you still have any questions regarding the SSSTS course, then do not hesitate to get in touch.
Phone – 020 3488 4472
