You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

• building studies or building engineering
• surveying or civil engineering
• construction engineering
• construction site management
• estimating

Find out about courses and universities accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building.

Courses are likely to include topics like project management, economics, IT and accounting.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, for example:

• Construction Site Management Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
• Design and Construction Management Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These typically take between 3 and 4 years to complete, and are a mix of learning in the workplace and studying at an approved university.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

You may be able to move into this job after gaining several years' experience in another construction industry role, such as:

• estimator
• building technician
• surveyor
• site supervisor

You could apply directly for jobs if you've got several years' management experience in a related industry, like civil engineering.

You'll need:

• knowledge of building and construction
• maths knowledge
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• leadership skills
• the ability to work well with others
• business management skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You'll need to:

• have a full driving licence

As a construction manager, you'll:

• review plans with architects, surveyors and engineers
• hire staff and make sure the site has the materials it needs
• organise work schedules
• monitor building progress and costs
• check the quality of the work your team has done
• report progress to clients, partners and local communities
• maintain and promote health and safety

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a construction manager to be a green job, you could:

• oversee the installation of energy efficiency measures on retrofit projects
• use sustainable materials on sites, like recycled steel or reclaimed wood
• educate stakeholders and colleagues about working sustainably

Find out more about green careers

You could work on a construction site or at a client's business.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, at height and you may spend nights away from home.

You may need to wear protective clothing.