Demand levels remain high for SMSTS in the Construction Industry

Managing a construction site can be a stressful, complicated and involved task, as most site managers will testify! Ensuring you have the correct training and qualifications can ensure you have the confidence to act effectively and safely within this complex environment.

As health and safety within construction can be a matter of life or death, good site managers will ensure that their qualifications and training are up to date, but with a range of courses available why does the SMSTS persist as such a popular choice?

While the HSE statistics show that fatal injuries on construction sites are down 17% in 2010/11 from the previous year, the continuing promotion of effective health and safety practices remains the highest priority within construction. Therefore the Construction Training Industry Board (CITB) endorsed SMSTS course remains in high demand.

So why pick the SMSTS course?

Firstly it can be completed in 5 days, either in a full week, or over 5 weeks, studying one day a week. This flexibility means that if a whole week away from site is impossible for you, you can still achieve the qualification. The course is assessed both via trainer observation of your progress and by means of a short multiple choice test at the end of the course. You will also receive reference materials which you can take away and consult after the course is over.

Secondly, it covers the Construction Design Management (CDM) regulations, so you can be safe in the knowledge that you will receive up to date training on how best to address your responsibilities.

Thirdly, by completing an SMSTS course, you will meet the United Kingdom Contractors Group (UKCG) standards introduced in 2010.

With most of the large UK sites being associates of the UKCG (United Kingdom Contractors Group sites), experienced independent managers and subcontractors will recognise that they often ask for evidence of a healthy and safety qualification at time of application or interview.

This is because the UKGC charter requires all personnel in supervisory or site management roles to confirm to two standards.

The first is that personnel have up to date health and safety knowledge. The second is that all personnel attend a training course of a minim of 2 days, on how to manage health and safety in a construction setting including how to direct persons working for them. The SMSTS course addresses both of these facets, leaving successful candidates free to work on some of the top sites in the UK.

Luckily the popularity of the SMSTS course means that there are a wealth of training providers across the UK that offer both the block week and day release options. Busy site managers will appreciate online search facilities and can search for the best location, cutting down commute times or the best price for those who have to meet strict company or personal budgets.

The SMSTS course remains the popular choice for those in construction with responsibility for managing the smooth running of a site and maintaining the safety of those working for them.