Clerk of Works
The Work
Clerks of works inspect the work of contractors involved in erecting buildings, constructing roads, installing pipelines, and maintaining estates. Their main responsibility is to make sure the work is carried out to the client’s standards, specification and schedule.
Clerks of works are either on site all the time, or make regular visits to it. They have to keep detailed records of various aspects of the work and put this information in a weekly report to give to the architect, planner or client.
If the work involves maintenance, alterations or additions to buildings by directly employed workers, the clerk may be responsible for supervising them. It is possible for clerks of works to specialise in particular areas such as building, civil engineering, and mechanical and electrical installations.
Hours and Conditions
Clerks of works normally work 35 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Weekend and evening work is common, particularly when deadlines are imminent. Part-time work and flexible hours may be possible.
They are based in site offices, normally in temporary structures. However, most of their time is spent out of doors in all weather conditions. Inspecting building work usually involves climbing ladders and scaffolding and possibly going underground.
As building sites may be far away from home, they have to spend time travelling and staying in lodgings.
Skills and Interests
As a clerk of works you will need:
Training
The Institute of Clerks of Works (ICWGB) is the recognised industry-specific body for the profession. You do not have to take its qualifications, but they are increasingly required by employers and are recognised world-wide.
There are different grades of membership of the ICWGB, but the one preferred by employers is full membership. There are different routes to this grade. The final examinations for membership are in several parts, and people can be exempted from some or all of them depending on their age, experience and qualifications. The examined subjects include construction technology, materials, measurement and specification, professional practice and legal aspects. Trainees may study part-time (by day-release or evening course) over three years for ICWGB qualifications.
Opportunities
A wide range of public organisations employ clerks of works. They include local authorities, public services such as the water industry, government departments and HM forces. Private companies that employ clerks of works include large industrial concerns, some architectural practices and consultancies. Self-employment is common
Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.
Salaries start at around £18,000 a year.
More experienced clerks of works may earn up to £25,000 a year.
Senior clerks of works may earn up to £30,000 a year.
Further Information
Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party websites.
Institute of Clerks of Works of Great Britain
Tel: 01733 405 160
www.icwgb.org
