Document Controller

What does a document controller do?As a document controller you will be responsible for maintaining the accurate records of company documentation. You could be sorting electronic or hard copies of project documentation and producing reports based on this.The job role of a document controller involves the following duties:Controlling company and project documentationFollowing and improving document control proceduresEnsuring all documentation meets formal requirements and required standardsSorting, storing and retrieving electronic and hard copy documents on behalf of clients and industry professionalsProducing document progress reports for senior managersConducting regular reviews and document auditsUsing computers to organise and distribute documents within a companyHelping in the planning stages of a specific projectEnsure documents are shared at key times to facilitate timely project completionWorking in an office.How to become a document controllerThere are several routes to becoming a document controller. You can gain the qualifications to help you on your career path to being a document controller by completing a university or college course, or an apprenticeship.You should explore these options to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and able to follow instructions.You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.UniversitySome employers prefer applicants to hold higher qualifications. You could do an undergraduate degree or Higher National Diploma (HND). Relevant subjects include IT and business administration.Afterwards, you may be able to join a company’s graduate trainee scheme.Find a university courseFunding adviceCollege/training providerYour local college or training provider may offer courses which will help you become a document controller. You could study for IT or administration qualifications or you could do a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in a relevant subject, such as information management.You’ll generally need at least 3 GCSEs including English, and you may be required to sit an entry assessment for the college/training provider.Equivalent entry requirements explainedFind a course near youFunding adviceApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry. Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.There is no direct apprenticeship to become a document controller. You could become an apprentice in an administrative, IT or a similar field and work your way towards this role.Guide to apprenticeshipsWorkIf you have experience as an administrator or an IT technician you may be able to apply to companies directly for work. Employers may be able to provide you with further training to become a document controller.Work experienceWork experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works in construction. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.Find out more about work experienceSkillsAdditional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as an document controller include:Administration skillsBe thorough and pay attention to detailAble to work well with othersCustomer service skillsAble to use your initiativeKnowledge of the English languageAble to accept criticism and work well under pressureFlexible and open to changeAble to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held deviceQualificationsTo become a document controller, you'll need GCSE 9-5 including Maths and English, some may require A Levels and previous experience.To become a document controller, you'll need Scottish National 5 A-C including Maths and English, A Levels and previous experience.To become a document controller, you'll need GCSE A*-C including Maths and English, some may require A Levels and previous experience.How much could you earn as a document controller?The expected salary for a document controller varies as you become more experiencedTrainee and newly-trained document controllers can earn £23,000Trained document controllers with experience can earn up to £47,000*Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed and industry recognised training route. Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources