Building control officer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

University

You can do a higher national diploma, foundation degree or degree in a relevant subject like:

• building studies
• civil engineering
• structural engineering
• building control surveying
• building surveying

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 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

College

You could do a college course, which could help when you apply for trainee jobs in building control. Courses include:

• Level 3 Certificate in Construction and the Built Environment
• T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You can do a building control surveyor degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

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

DirectApplication

You could move into building control from another job in construction, like quantity surveying or site management.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• knowledge of building and construction
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• customer service skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• knowledge of English language
• analytical thinking skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• maths knowledge
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• active listening skills
• persistence and determination
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of public safety and security
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• excellent written communication skills
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Building control officers make sure building regulations are followed.

As a building control officer you'll:

• work closely with architects, designers, builders and engineers
• suggest ways to make building projects more cost effective
• carry out site inspections
• write inspection reports and issue completion certificates
• survey unsafe buildings, giving advice or approving their demolition
• authorise entertainment licenses and check safety at public venues and events

Location : You could work in an office or on a construction site.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and at height.

Salary:

Starter : £22,000
Experienced : £60,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is on call on a rota

Career Path:

With experience, you could specialise in a particular area like fire safety, or move into technical and planning roles in other departments, for example town planning.

You could also work as a consultant.