A construction manager—also called a construction site manager or construction project manager—oversees a construction project from start to finish. Their main responsibilities include: Construction managers work closely with architects, engineers, and other specialists, including stonemasons, electricians, carpenters, landscapers, and more. For large projects, such as office buildings or industrial complexes, managers may oversee only a…
Construction site managers are responsible for small sections of a construction project all the way through to management of entire development projects.
This role is diverse and not for everyone, but if you feel that you can take on the responsibility of a construction site manager, then look no further.
The team of expert training…
Slinger signaller training equips individuals with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills they require to competently work as signallers in the construction industry.
The slinger signaller is part of the lifting team and works alongside other members of the team to ensure that lifting operations are carried out safely.
Signallers play a crucial role in…
The Red Diesel ban is a controversial but quiet subject in the UK at the moment. With Ukraine being invaded by the Russian Military, the media hasn’t shone much light on the situation with Red Diesel and the changes to taxation coming at the end of March 2022 for good reason.
In 2019, we wrote…
In construction, the banksman and the slinger signaller both play an important part in minimising risk and making the building site a safer place to work.
In this article, we will look at the key differences and similarities between a banksman and a slinger on a construction site.
What is a banksman?
Building sites use…
Are you considering a career in construction working as a slinger signaller?
Slinger signallers work closely alongside the lifting team on a construction site to ensure that all lifting operations are being carried out safely.
To work as a slinger signaller, you’ll need to have good observation and communication skills and an excellent understanding of…
The 360 Excavator is a key piece of machinery on most construction sites and particularly on groundwork sites. A 360 Excavator can be a dangerous tool when used incorrectly but can be used with great safety when an operator has been trained well and follows all safety precautions. Learning the controls to move the digger…
When operating a 360 excavator, safety is of prime importance. For this reason, comprehensive pre-start checks are a must before utilising any piece of equipment.
Our Excavator Training courses provide you with the relevant knowledge required to safely operate these machines. This includes teaching you the relevant pre-start checks for the excavator.
Why Excavator Pre-Start…
Learn how to use an online card checker to check the validity of CSCS and CPCS cards
CSCS cards and CPCS cards are used to prove the competency of construction workers, but how can you know for sure if the card is valid?
The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS)…
CSCS, owned by the CITB, issues cards to construction workers to verify the competence of operatives on-site in a given job role. There are varying types of CSCS cards that cover you to carry out different tasks such as labouring, supervising, carpentry, bricklaying, etc. However, there are people out there who will take the easy…
A groundworker is a type of construction worker who typically prepares foundations, lays drainage and pipes and may even build roads. The groundworker role involves everything to do with preparing the ground for building on. This highly essential role is very diverse as there are many different plant machines and tools that will be used…
Construction services are in high demand, making now a great time to progress your career in the industry.
Whether you’re just starting your career in construction or have many years of experience working in the industry, gaining a recognised qualification in your trade or profession can be very beneficial.
A construction NVQ is a qualification…
The Red CSCS Card is a temporary card issued to individuals working on construction sites.
The CSCS card acts as proof that they are working towards a relevant qualification for the job they are doing on site.
There are several types of Red CSCS Cards available, and one of these is the Red Apprentice Card.…
Careers in construction are diverse, offering opportunities to work using different skills across a broad range of projects.
Career paths in construction can, therefore, go off in various directions, depending on what type of training the individual chooses to take, to build up their experience and develop their skills.
Some of the major job roles…
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA)
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA), is a highly significant piece of legislation, which covers occupational health and safety in the UK.
The aim of the Act is to make sure all workplaces support health and safety by complying with its requirements.
Here we…
If you want to work in the construction industry, you will need to meet certain minimum requirements, and this applies to becoming a construction labourer as well as other job roles.
The construction labourer role does not require a high level of qualification, but to work legally on a site, there are certain steps you…
An NVQ is a National Vocational Qualification, which shows that you can meet national industry standards in your area of work.
Achieving a Construction NVQ qualification can give your career the right kind of start, acting as a springboard to your progression through the construction industry.
You can take an NVQ for many roles, such…
The Skilled Worker Blue CSCS Card, is a Level 2 CSCS card that can be achieved through a trade-specific NVQ alongside the relevant Health, Safety and Environment test for Operatives.
The Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card proves your competency in a given trade within the construction industry.
You may be familiar with the Blue…
This September, NPORS published their technical bulletin for trainers and training centres which details the changes to the scheme and this month was a big one!
Investigations into Fraud and Malpractice
NPORS started this bulletin with an announcement about investigations into various training facilities during the lockdown period this year. NPORS stated, “As the result…
The slinger signaller has a vital role to play on a construction site, providing essential safety directions and supervising lifts. The slinger signaller works closely with and alongside lifting teams.
This is a highly responsible job since the slinger signaller is acting as the eyes and ears of the crane operator. To become a slinger…
The CITB Health, safety and environment (HS&E) test is essential for construction workers to prove their competency in Health & Safety. It tests a diverse range of topics, improving safety and productivity on site and shows candidates can work responsibly to ensure their colleagues are also kept safe and as a result, putting neither at…
Why is Health and Safety Important?
Health and Safety training and awareness is important in all workplaces. However, there is a real need for high-quality Health and Safety Training in the construction industry. With such a high injury rate in the workplace, we feel that every employer should know the dangers of an untrained workforce…
What does DR ABC stand for?
DR ABC stands for Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing and circulation. DR ABC attempts to assess the level of first aid that the injured person requires. First aiders should follow the steps broken down into d-r-a-b-c which is easily remembered as DR ABC.
First Aider Role
The Health and Safety…
How to get a black CSCS card
The Black CSCS Manager Card is a career goal for many in the construction industry. For many, the Black card is seen as the top-level card within the CSCS card scheme. You'd be correct to assume that this is a top-level card, but you're probably not quite sure…
If you've received a driving ban, you'll know it can cause all sorts of complications. It can even potentially put your job at risk, but what about when driving and operating machinery is your source of income?
The site says I can't work with a driving ban
Unfortunately, the site rules are up to the…
The telescopic handler training course is aimed at providing operators with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to safely operate Telescopic Handlers or Telehandlers on construction sites.
The telescopic handler forklifts are widely-used within the construction, agriculture and warehousing industry.
The primary use of telehandlers is for lifting pallet boards, and they can move heavy…
There are 12 different CSCS card types which are essential proof of competence for occupations within the construction industry.
They support safe working practices, and help employers in the industry comply with health and safety regulations.
The construction industry is highly diverse, and includes a broad range of activities.
According to Government figures, it contributes…
Site Managers across the UK are set to lose their Black CSCS under the removal of grandfather rights from the scheme. This leaves many wondering whether they can continue to work in the industry.
Grandfather rights allowed workers to attain their CSCS Cards based on a strong employer recommendation rather than using a CSCS recognised…
Brexit seems to be at the top of the news recently, but with little being published about the construction industry, many are left in the dark. SB Skills have gathered data and statistics to generate this Brexit outlook and plan for your future.
What is Brexit?
As many know already, Britain is leaving the EU.…
What is CPCS
CPCS or the Construction Plant Competency Scheme is a plant-based accreditation that tests a delegates knowledge and competency on the machine of choice.
This accreditation uses a 2-card scheme to confirm levels of competency and training. The Red Trained Operator card is the first card in the scheme which expires after…
You need a Green CSCS Card to get on-site
You may have found that you need to get yourself a green CSCS card to get on-site initially, but it isn't that clear how to obtain one. Well, this is the straightforward way to get yourself on-site and working.
The benefits of a Green CSCS Labourer…
Will plant machinery be fully autonomous?
You've probably noticed every industry becoming more and more autonomous, but have you ever wondered whether the construction industry could be autonomous too? There have been a few advancements into the construction industry regarding autonomy but it looks like health and safety could prevent advancements into autonomous machinery.
What…
A career in plant machinery can be a promising career with many benefits, but choosing what to specialise in can be tough. So what is your ideal career path?
Roofing or domestic roof construction is the process of creating the ‘framing and roof covering that is found on most detached houses in cold and temperate climates.’ Most buildings are built using timber as the main framework for the shape of the roof. This is then followed by cladding; the applying of materials on top to protect against the…
E-Commerce and in-store orders that are delivered to your front door are becoming increasingly prevalent. Notability, orders that would have previously taken 5+ days can be delivered the following day or, in some cases, in only a few hours! So what has caused this to happen and can Forklift Training keep up? To satisfy demand,…
Towing a trailer on the back of heavy earthmoving equipment is a common sight on many sites in the UK. This includes towing attachments, generators, lighting towers and other required equipment. However, in new advice provided to JCB by the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), the agency stated that the use of any earthmoving equipment to tow any…
Tesla Roofing tiles with integrated solar panels are now going into production. After the 2016 announcement, the Tesla roofing tiles were expected to be the next best thing. More durable than the standard tile, easier to clean and containing an invisible solar panel that transforms the utility of your whole roof; these are expected to…
Crawler Crane Operator pay rises by a whopping 54% in the last two years, compared to 11% for the rest of the construction industry since the Brexit referendum, according to staffing software company. The Construction industry is a fast-paced industry that sees changes in construction techniques, and popular projects. However, Crawler Crane Operators have seen an astronomical increase in average…
Credit: Sky News Common School Science Equipment found to contain Asbestos! Gause Mats used in common secondary school science experiments have been found to contain asbestos. Gause Mats containing asbestos have been sold by two companies to schools around the UK. These common pieces of science equipment are used in tandem with bunson burners which…
Here’s how to handle the most common health and safety hazards on house building sites Construction of any sort requires a lot of planning, patience, resources, time and management. In addition to being very difficult, construction jobs are really dangerous too. There are several health and safety hazards present on the site which can really…
This article provides some of the laws and regulations associated with working at heights Working at height is an important consideration for employers. Several industries such as the oil and gas sector, the construction sector, roofing and cladding, telecommunication sector and the design sector include the use of working on heights. In fact, the industries…
Here is why health and safety training is important Safety at work is very important. More than 200 people die every year due to accidents at work and more than 1 million get injured. Furthermore, more than 2 million suffer from sicknesses caused by their work. One of the most dangerous industries is the forestry…
These are some benefits of eLearning in the construction industry Construction industry today is much more complex than it used to be in the past. In the recent past, especially, there has been an exponential increase in the complexity of the sector. The reason behind this complexity is the adoption and implementation of the International…
CPCS Cards! What are CPCS cards? CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) is a card scheme created to reflect and showcase the competence of plant operating personnel. Launched in the year 2003, CPCS is a standard to show how competent a plant worker is. CPCS was started due to requests put forward by several employers in…
SB Skills Solutions ltd are proud to announce they have purchased their first UNIC 295 Compact Crane. The crane which can be used for either Compact Crane Training or can be hired out with or without the operator. Operations Director, Neil Beaumont comments – ‘This is a big step for SB Skills Solutions Ltd as we aim…
If you want to become a part of the construction industry, you need to know about these things It does not matter if you have some experience in the industry or you are a fresh graduate without any experience; there are multiple opportunities available in the construction industry. If you have decided to join the…
You need to have these qualifications and skills if you want to become a project manager The construction industry is booming these days. New projects and developments are being set up at a rapid rate and there are many roles in the construction sector which one can take. Almost every field or technology can be…
These handy tips will ensure that the forklift is being operated safely Safety is of prime importance during any sort of activity or work. Accidents happen on a daily basis all across the globe, primarily due to the negligence of safety procedures by us in order to work or perform any sort of activity. Operating…
If you want a career in the construction or building industry, you can follow these tips The construction industry has become one of the most enjoyable, entertaining and popular industries globally. New projects are being developed on a regular basis and the opportunities and areas to grow and prosper are endless. It does not matter…
Some ideas to improve yourself while working in the construction sector The construction industry is an ever green and growing field. It is also the field where the employees are happier as compared to other sectors. In fact, a recent survey conducted by TINY, the employees working in the construction sector are the happiest among…
Some information about this area of construction The role of a construction manager in the industry includes the control and co-ordination activities on the site to ensure that all the construction related activities pertaining to the project at hand are completed within the deadlines and more importantly, within the budget allocated for specific activities of…
Some ideas to replicate the construction sector in your work place If you think that you are happy and content at your desk, routine job, where you are spending hours in front of the computer to design something or analyze some data or researching something, you can ask a construction worker if he or she…
These are some useful qualifications which will enable you to build a career in the construction sector The construction industry is like an ever green field. New projects and developments keep coming on a regular basis which provides a way for a lot of opportunities to work in this sector. Especially in the United Kingdom,…
These are the necessary skills that you need in order to get a job in the construction sector Different jobs have different requirements, which both depend upon the specific requirements of the organisation as well as the culture of that particular industrial sector. Some requirements for numerous organizations are the same. Construction industry, specifically stresses…
