What is a Temporary Works Coordinator Course?
Safety is non-negotiable in the construction industry, obviously. With complex projects, tight deadlines, and constantly changing site conditions, having clear systems of control is always essential. This is especially true when it comes to temporary works like scaffolding, excavation supports, and temporary access platforms. All forms of temporary works play a vital role in keeping sites as safe and as functional as possible during construction. And the person typically in charge of all this is the Temporary Works Coordinator.
Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) is a vital role within construction, civil engineering, and infrastructure projects, and the Temporary Works Coordinator course is designed to train individuals for this exact responsibility, equipping them with the knowledge, legal awareness, and practical skills to oversee temporary works safely and efficiently.
In the following blog, we’ll take a deep dive into the TWC course: what it involves, who it’s for, what you’ll learn, and why it matters more than ever in today’s construction environment.
What Does a Temporary Works Coordinator Do?
A Temporary Works Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that temporary works are properly planned, designed, implemented, monitored, and removed without any risk to health and safety.
Their role includes:
- Coordinating all temporary works activities on a site
- Acting as the focal point between design teams, contractors, and site operatives
- Ensuring designs are checked and approved before construction begins
- Ensuring installation and dismantling are carried out safely and correctly
- Verifying that temporary works meet legal, technical, and safety requirements
Temporary works can include things like:
- Scaffolding
- Formwork and falsework
- Excavation supports and trench boxes
- Temporary roads and walkways
- Shoring systems
- Hoardings and barriers
- Crane bases and tower crane foundations
Failures in the planning and management of temporary works often have serious consequences. That’s why the role of the Coordinator is so important. They bring structure, compliance, and oversight to the often fast-moving world of construction logistics.
Is a Temporary Works Coordinator Different from a Temporary Works Supervisor?
The Temporary Works Supervisor is not the same role as the Coordinator, and it’s important to understand the differences between the two.
A Coordinator is the designated person responsible for overseeing the temporary works process on a project. They manage communication, documentation, checks, and approvals.
A Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS), on the other hand, typically works under the TWC. The TWS may have a more “hands-on” role, ensuring that specific tasks or areas of the site are implemented according to the TWC’s guidance.
Key differences:
- The Coordinator is primarily responsible for the overall coordination, risk management, compliance, and sign-off of temporary works
- The Supervisor is responsible for site-level supervision, and communication with operatives, assisting the Coordinator
While the supervisor ensures things are happening correctly on the ground, the coordinator ensures everything is planned, approved, and integrated into the broader site safety and design plans. Both roles are essential, but the highest level of responsibility lies with the Coordinator.
Temporary Works Coordinator Course Explained
The Coordinator Course is a structured training programme created by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) and recognised across the UK construction industry. It focuses on the management, control, and coordination of temporary works as set out in BS 5975, the British standard for temporary works procedures.
This course is mandatory, or at the very least highly recommended, for anyone who takes on the TWC role, particularly for principal contractors under CDM Regulations 2015, where managing health and safety is a legal obligation. Here’s a quick overview of the course:
- Duration: With CST Training the course takes a total of two days
- Format: Available both online and in-person
- Accreditation: CITB certification (valid for five years)
- Assessment: Multiple-choice exam + tutor evaluation
This course is most suitable for site managers, engineers, project managers, and anyone who may be appointed as a Coordinator of temporary works on a specific project.
What Do You Learn on the Temporary Works Coordinator Course?
The course covers both the technical and procedural elements of temporary works, along with the legal and safety implications of failing to manage them effectively.
Key learning outcomes include:
- Understanding the role and responsibilities of the Temporary Works Coordinator
- Awareness of legal duties and liabilities (e.g., CDM 2015, HSE expectations)
- Familiarity with BS 5975 and how to apply it on-site
- Understanding the temporary works register and permit systems
- Communication and liaison between contractors, designers, and supervisors
- Identifying common temporary works risks and failures
- Best practices in design, inspection, and removal
- Role of the Coordinator in audits, inspections, and reviews
The course focuses heavily on real-world application. It doesn’t just teach you what the standards are- it teaches you how to implement them in high-pressure environments.
Who Should Take the Course?
This course is aimed at people with experience in site supervision or management who are either:
- Already in a TWC role
- About to be appointed as a TWC
- Responsible for planning or managing temporary works
Typical roles include:
- Site Managers
- Engineers
- Project Managers
- Site Agents
- Design Coordinators
- Safety Officers
You should already have a good understanding of how construction sites operate and basic temporary works systems. This course builds on that knowledge, and formalises your competence for managing temporary works safely.
What are the Main Benefits of Taking the Course?
Improved Safety and Risk Management
Temporary works failures can be a major cause of injury and disruption on-site. This course equips you to prevent such incidents by understanding design requirements, safety standards, and coordination procedures.
Legal Compliance
TWC responsibilities are defined in BS 5975 and expected under CDM Regulations 2015. The course helps you avoid legal pitfalls and comply with health and safety legislation.
Industry Recognition
The CITB Temporary Works Coordinator course is widely recognised across the UK. Having this certification on your CV demonstrates that you’re trained, and competent, in a high-responsibility role.
Career Progression
Whether you’re moving from site supervision into management, or stepping up into project coordination, this course is a valuable addition to your professional toolkit.
Standardised Procedures
The course provides a framework for standardising your temporary works processes. This can improve communication, reduce error, and streamline project planning.
What are the Prerequisites for Taking the Course?
There are no formal entry requirements for the Temporary Works course, but it’s strongly recommended that attendees:
- Have at least two years of site experience
- Are familiar with temporary works processes
- Hold a valid SMSTS or SSSTS qualification (recommended but not required)
- Are comfortable engaging in technical discussion and group work
The course includes some written materials, case studies, and group discussions. A basic level of English proficiency is needed to fully participate and pass the assessment.
Should You Take the Course Online or In Person?
CST Training offers both online and in-person versions of the Coordinator course. The content, qualification, and assessment are all identical- the only difference is the delivery method.
Online Course
- Convenient for those who can’t travel
- Delivered via live video conferencing
- Includes interactive discussions and breakout groups
- Same exam and CITB certificate upon completion
In-Person Course
- Ideal for hands-on learners
- Networking with peers in the industry
- The most immersive option for learners who are not used to online learning
- Option to ask site-specific questions face-to-face
Which should you choose? It depends on your learning preferences and schedule. Some learners thrive in an online setting, while others prefer the traditional classroom format. CST Training ensures both versions are engaging, informative, and fully accredited.
What is the Temporary Works Coordinator Refresher Course?
The CITB Coordinator certificate is valid for five years. After that, professionals must take a refresher course to maintain their qualification.
The Temporary Works Refresher Course is:
- Shorter than the full course (one day)
- Designed to update your knowledge on regulations, standards, and best practices
- Required to renew your certification and help you remain compliant
Refresher training is also a great opportunity to learn from updated case studies, legal changes, and new techniques in temporary works management.
You should aim to complete your refresher before your certificate expires. If it has already lapsed, you will typically be required to retake the full course.
How the Coordinator Course Supports Project Efficiency
Beyond safety and compliance, the TWC course also enhances overall project efficiency. When temporary works are well-managed, delays due to design errors, safety breaches, or miscommunication are significantly reduced. Coordinators trained through the CITB course are equipped to spot potential issues early, streamline approval processes, and ensure smooth integration of temporary works into the broader construction timeline. This means fewer stoppages, improved collaboration across teams, and better cost control. In an industry where every hour counts, having a qualified TWC can make the difference between a smooth-running project and one plagued by entirely preventable setbacks.
Conclusion: What is a Temporary Works Coordinator Course?
The TWC course is more than just another tick box on your training record- it’s a crucial step toward ensuring the safety, legality, and efficiency of your construction site.
By taking this course, you’ll gain the confidence and competence to coordinate temporary works effectively, safeguard your team, and align with national standards like BS 5975 and CDM 2015. CST Training offers both online and in-person options to suit your needs.
If you still have any questions regarding the course, then do not hesitate to get in touch.
Phone – 020 3488 4472
