Foreman

Job Description

A Foreperson (commonly called a Foreman) is an individual who oversees and directs other workers. A Foreperson may work in a variety of industries such as construction, mining and landscaping. A Foreperson acts as a point of reference for managers and for workers, and is part of a team who is responsible for ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.

Careers Ladder

Qualifications

A Foreperson is usually an individual with trade qualifications who has worked in industries such as construction, mining or landscape. They usually have strong technical knowledge as well as leadership abilities.

Begin as an entry-level tradesperson in a particular industry. If you are working in building and construction, it’s imperative to have your White Card, before you start to gather more experience by seeking out increasing responsibility at your worksite.

A foreperson with qualifications in carpentry, building, construction or management is usually highly regarded by employers. Relevant qualifications include an Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction Management or a Bachelor of Construction Management.

Attributes

  • Communicator
  • Insightful
  • Interpersonal
  • Organised
  • Procedural
  • Rational
  • Reliable
  • Self-Motivator
  • Team Player
  • Thorough

Key Skills

  • Time Management
  • Customer Service
  • Workplace Health & Safety
  • Carpentry
  • People Management

Future Prospects

The path to the construction foreman position is not easy, as it can take years of working and several promotions with increasing levels of responsibilities before one is considered for the job.

Career advancement in this field can lead to other roles such as:

  • Site Supervisor
  • Construction Manager
  • Head Building Engineer