NVQ Construction Management Vs Degree – What Verdicts Say

Now me, like, I’m a bit of a certificated smart-ar*e. I have a degree in Construction Management as well as a Masters in Construction Project Management. I also have a CSCS Black Card Contracts Manager which, I’m told, is equivalent to an NVQ 7 – that’s to say another Masters! I’ve experience and knowledge of both routes.

For present purposes, though, we’ll have a look at NVQ 6 vs. Bachelor’s Degree as these are the ones relating to a job as a Site Manager. So let’s get to it –

NVQ Pros

• Already have site management experience
• Probably have trade background giving wide understanding of interaction of trades on site.
• Immediate recognition of differing levels of trade skills.
• Must already have acquired some qualities of leadership.
• Speaks “Grunt” so communicates well with the trades.
• Formalises and orders existing knowledge.
• Gives knowledge of areas of construction not already experienced

NVQ Cons.

• Heavy costs when wife and kids have to be fed and housed.
• Very demanding on limited time available after work and family commitments.
• Probably low levels of written and verbal communication.
• Lower personal credibility with construction professionals.
• Usually leave an inadequate paper trail for the project.
• Difficulty communicating with Architects engineers and clients.
• Inability to produce a detailed Programme.
• IT abilities probably limited.

Degree Pros

• Acquired a wide understanding of the complete construction process.
• Higher levels of written and verbal communication.
• Professional credibility.
• Usually everything is well documented and accessible.
• Ability to communicate with Architects, engineers and client.
• Ability to produce a detailed Programme.
• Fluent use of IT tools.

Degree Cons

• Intellectual arrogance which leads them to believe they are experts at everything.
• £50,000 debt to repay.
• Lack of actual site experience.
• Lack of realistic appraisal of H&S on site and even personal safety.
• Inability to communicate clearly with the trades in “Grunt”.
• Inability to immediately recognise differing levels of trade skills.
• Probably no acquired leadership qualities.

Looks like both routes to becoming a qualified Site Manager have their Pros and Cons, doesn’t it? What that means is that if decision has to be made it all hinges on where the aspirant is coming from. After that to really important thing is how good the individuals are at the actual job!