Project Manager

The Job

This is a very varied job, and can often begin at the design stage and run right through to the completion of a construction project. In general, it's the project manager's responsibility to ensure that everything runs smoothly and is completed on time and on budget.

Project managers are in charge of the overall planning, management, co-ordination and financial control of a project and to keep the client happy. It can seem like a daunting job, but it’s one that can be very rewarding.

The People  

There are roughly 133,700 people employed in construction management in the UK. Some of these are project managers. At the start of project, they will have regular meetings with the client and members of the design team to flesh out exactly what needs to be done.

During a project, they'll also need to work with quantity surveyors, and then during construction, liaise with the contractor's representatives.

Entry Requirements  

To become a project manager, you will need to hold a degree in a subject such as building studies or building management. The entry requirements for a degree programme vary greatly depending on the university and course, so you will need to check them out. For more information on university courses, visit the UCAS website, at http://www.ucas.co.uk/.

You may be able to gain a sponsorship from a potential employer during your training, which almost guarantees you a job at the end of it.

It is possible to take a job in a firm as a trainee technician and then, after some training, go on to do a degree course. To gain a technician's place, you may need the appropriate BTEC or NVQ/SVQ.

Employers have their own training programmes, which sometimes combine their assessments with those of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). This helps students work towards NVQ/SVQ Levels 3 and 4 in Site and Project Management.

The Benefits  

Project managers are experienced construction professionals, and as such, can expect to learn at least £31,000. As always, salaries in London are higher. For further information on salaries refer to professional institutions and industry press.