Project Manager

What does a project manager do?As a project manager you will be responsible for helping to keep projects on a realistic timescale and budget. This involves selecting and leading a project team and ensuring you are aware of all details so you can keep a client up to date.The job role of a project manager involves the following duties:Understanding what the client or company wants to achieveAgreeing timescales, costs and resources needed to deliver a projectDrawing up a detailed plan for how to achieve each stage of a projectSelecting and leading a project teamNegotiating with contractors and suppliersDirecting a multi-disciplinary teamCommunicating with staff at every level, in a calm, personable wayOverseeing several projects at the same timeEnsuring that each stage of the project happens on time, on budget and to a high standardReporting regularly on progress to the client and stakeholdersCoordinating market and customer researchResolving any issues or delaysDemonstrating knowledge of all areas of constructionWriting bids for tenderManaging several projects simultaneously with the support of junior project managersWorking in an office or on a construction site.How to become a project managerThere are several routes to becoming a project manager. You can gain the qualifications you need by doing a university or college course, or an apprenticeship. If you already have some experience you may be able to apply for a job directly. You should explore these options to find out which is the right one for you.You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.UniversityYou could do an undergraduate degree in construction management, project management, business or IT.If you already have a first degree you could study for a postgraduate qualification in construction project management.Equivalent entry requirements explainedFind a university courseFunding adviceCollege/training providerYou could do NVQ Levels 4 and 5 in Project Management or Levels 3, 4 and 5 in Business Improvement Techniques.Some training providers also offer NVQ levels 3, 4 and 5 specific to construction project management.Find 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.An intermediate apprenticeship takes around two years to complete. You could follow a higher apprenticeship in construction management.Guide to apprenticeshipsWorkMany project managers start their careers as craftspeople in a particular trade. If you have experience of managing small projects, you could study part-time to gain project management qualifications and get a job in a construction project support team.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 as a project manager. 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 looking to become a project manager include:Leadership and business management skillsKnowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and softwarePersistence and determinationAble to use your initiativeBe thorough and pay attention to detailMaths knowledgeExcellent verbal communication skillsQualificationsTo become a Project Manager you'll need GCSE's 9 - 5 including Maths and English. Some may require A-Levels, a Project Management qualification and previous experience.To become a Project Manager you'll need Scottish Nationals 5 A - C's including Maths and English. Some may require A-Levels, a Project Management qualification and previous experience.To become a Project Manager you'll need GCSE's A* - C including Maths and English. Some may require A-Level's, a Project Management qualification and previous experience.How much could you earn as a project manager?The expected salary for a project manager varies as you become more experienced.Newly trained project managers can start at £34000Trained with experience project managers can earn up to £87000*Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route. Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources