If you're considering a role in Temporary Works, whether as a Supervisor, Co-ordinator, or Designated Individual, this post is for you. Temporary works isn’t just about scaffolding or shoring; it’s about competence, safety, and being part of something critical on every major construction project.

What Exactly Is “Temporary Works”?

Temporary Works refers to all the structures and systems used temporarily during construction: propping, shores, scaffolding, lifting beams, formwork, etc. The industry is regulated, mainly under BS 5975 (the code of practice for temporary works), which outlines the roles, responsibilities, and procedures to ensure safety and compliance.

Key roles include:

• Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS) – The hands-on role, ensuring temporary works are built, used, and dismantled safely.
• Temporary Works Co-ordinator (TWC) – Oversees planning, design, approval and implementation across multiple sites or projects.
• Designated Individual (DI) – Responsible for ensuring the system of Temporary Works governance is maintained; often involves oversight, reviewing designs, compliance with BS 5975, etc.

Why Choose a Career in Temporary Works?

Temporary Works is one of the most rewarding and secure career paths in construction, and demand is only growing. Here’s why:

• High demand for competence – With increasing regulatory scrutiny and regular HSE inspections, companies need people who can prove competence under BS 5975. That means qualified Supervisors, Co-ordinators and Designated Individuals are always in demand.
• Opportunities in major projects – From transport and housing to renewable energy and civil engineering, large-scale projects depend on well-managed temporary works. Skilled professionals are essential to keep these projects safe, compliant and on track.
• A career with impact – Temporary Works isn’t just about scaffolding or propping. It’s about protecting lives and keeping multi-million-pound projects moving. Few roles in construction carry as much responsibility, or provide the same sense of achievement.
• Clear progression route – With defined courses and NVQs, you can move from Supervisor to Co-ordinator to senior roles, building both your skills and your earning potential along the way.

Temporary Works Salaries and Skills Employers Look For

Here’s what the latest job postings and salary-data say in places like London, Birmingham, and around the UK, to give you a better, more realistic picture of what roles pay:

*These are current estimates from job boards and employer posts, actual salary depends on region, project scale, years of experience, and employer type.

Temporary Works Career Path: Training Courses and NVQs

If you want to build a career in Temporary Works, there’s a clear progression path with recognised training and qualifications at each stage:

1. Start with core safety and awareness training
Before specialising, it’s essential to have a grounding in health and safety. Common starting points include:

• CITB Health & Safety Awareness (HSA) – for operatives working towards a CSCS card
• CITB SSSTS (Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme) – ideal if you’re stepping into a supervisory role
• CITB SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) – for those moving into management
• Temporary Works Awareness – gives you a baseline understanding of temporary works procedures

2. Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS)
Next step is the CITB Temporary Works Supervisor (TWSTC) course, which prepares you to oversee specific temporary works operations on site.

• At this stage, a relevant NVQ such as Level 3 or Level 4 NVQ in Occupational Work Supervision or Construction Site Supervision may also be valuable, proving your competence to hold a CSCS Gold Supervisor card.

3. Temporary Works Co-ordinator (TWC)
For those taking responsibility for managing and co-ordinating all temporary works on a project, the CITB Temporary Works Co-ordinator (TWCTC) course is essential.

• Many employers look for candidates to also hold a Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Construction Site Management, which leads to a Black CSCS Manager card and demonstrates competence at management level.

4. Designated Individual (DI) / Senior Oversight
This is a strategic role, often held by directors or senior managers. It requires a deep understanding of BS 5975 and overall governance of temporary works.

• The Temporary Works Forum (TWf) Designated Individual eLearning is a great introduction to this responsibility.
• Senior roles are often underpinned by NVQs such as the Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Construction Senior Management.

5. Wider Career Progression
From here, you could progress into:

• Project Management – leading larger teams and projects
• Specialist Consultancy – advising clients on temporary works compliance and safety
• Risk and Safety Management – focusing on governance, audits and inspections
• Design and Engineering roles – working alongside permanent and temporary works designers

How to Start Your Career in Temporary Works

Starting out in Temporary Works doesn’t happen overnight, but there’s a clear path if you want to build competence and credibility in this field:

1. Invest in the right training early
   Take accredited courses such as CITB Temporary Works Awareness, Supervisor (TWSTC) or Co-ordinator (TWCTC). These give you a strong foundation and ensure you understand what BS 5975 requires from each role.
2. Learn from experienced professionals
   Work alongside established Supervisors, Co-ordinators and Designated Individuals. Real exposure on live projects is where you’ll see how the processes, paperwork, and decisions fit together in practice.
3. Commit to continual development
   Competence isn’t a one-off achievement. Keep building through CPD, refresher courses, and free resources like the Temporary Works Forum eLearning. Pairing ongoing study with site experience keeps your knowledge sharp.
4. Broaden your project experience
   A strong CV shows versatility. Get involved in diverse sectors, from scaffolding and formwork to civils, rail, highways or marine works. Employers value people who can adapt and apply BS 5975 principles in different contexts.

Temporary Works Training with ESS

At ESS, we deliver the full range of Temporary Works courses (Supervisor, Co-ordinator, and Refresher). Our goal is to take you beyond just “knowing” to being competent and confident, so that when you hold a card or title, you can prove you deserve it.

If you’re thinking about your next step in Temporary Works, or wondering which course/role is right for you, feel free to reach out. We’ll help you map your path forward.

Because in Temporary Works, competence isn’t just about compliance, it’s about protecting people, projects, and your own future.