The Construction Foreman

A construction foreman plays a key role in the overall running of a construction project as they are responsible for the supervision and coordination of the work crew. This can range from small projects employing only a few people to massive projects employing many. The foreman’s primary role is to ensure that the workers he manages perform their job skilfully and efficiently, and that assigned work is completed on time and within budget.

In order to ensure that they achieve this, the foreman must:

• Confer with supervisory personnel, owners, contractors or design professionals to discuss procedures and problems that relate to the construction project.
• Develop and/or implement quality control programmes for the project.
• Interpret and explain plans and contract terms to administrative staff, workers and clients.
• Plan, organise and direct maintenance activities related to the structures, facilities or systems.
• Investigate damage, accidents or delays at construction sites to ensure that suitable procedures are implemented and followed.
• Deal with the routing of material and equipment, and plan and coordinate the more difficult segments of the job.

Becoming a construction foreman can be done in various ways. Many employers may only require that a foreman have a National Senior Certificate, some management experience, and some experience with technical aspects of a building project, such as carpentry, concrete work, plumbing and electrical work. Other companies may prefer to hire a foreman who has a formal qualification, such as a degree or diploma in construction management. Admission to study a formal qualification requires the learner to have studied Economics, Physical Science and Mathematics at school.

Attending short courses or short learning programmes can also help to upskill a foreman who may already be working or looking to be promoted. These courses are ideal for companies to enrol their junior foremen, enabling them to develop or refine their existing skills and become more effective.

These key skills include understanding how to supervise the use of tools and equipment, interpret technical drawings, calculate quantities, survey and set out a work area, manage resources, report on work processes and understand the legal liabilities and construction regulations.

A foreman’s function starts right at the beginning of a project and continues until the end. It involves everything, from ensuring straight foundations to setting out and working the levels to a certain height according to the plans, managing subcontractors, working on roofs, right down to the finishes i.e. details such as tiles and cupboards.

The Master Builders KZN Institute of Learning runs both a Junior Foreman and a Senior Foreman course. These are 11-day and 12-day courses respectively, with a duration of 2 months, requiring learners to attend 5-6 days per month. Recognising the need for staff to be present on site, these programmes offer scheduled dates spread across 12 months, enabling companies to plan and send employees for training with ease throughout the year.

Please email Training@masterbuilders.co.za for more information.

Heidi Kilian | Head: Training