4 Things You Should Know About TWS Training
The Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS) course is a one-day training programme designed for site personnel who are responsible for overseeing temporary structures on construction sites. Temporary works are high-risk by nature, which is why formalising your competence with a qualification is so essential- and non-negotiable.
In today’s blog, we’ll break down four things you need to know about the training.
1. It’s Not Technical Design Training
The course, which is based on the procedural guidelines of BS 5975 (the UK standard for temporary works), is fundamentally about procedure and compliance, rather than engineering or structural design. Candidates aren’t taught how to design a scaffold or calculate load bearings. Instead, they learn the mandatory procedural steps required to verify that the temporary works already designed by a competent engineer are being executed correctly on site. The training teaches the supervisor to check for the approved design drawings, verify the correct materials are used, and ensure permits are in place. This focus on adherence to process is crucial for preventing critical failures.
2. TWS Training: The Assessment Relies on Experience
The course is specifically targeted at individuals who are already working in a supervisory role, and possess a background in construction operations. While there are no formal academic entry requirements, the training’s effectiveness relies heavily on the candidate’s prior experience. The scenarios and procedural examples used in the course assume a certain level of contextual knowledge regarding site risks, materials, and operational language. The final assessment, typically a multiple-choice examination, tests a candidate’s ability to apply the learned procedures to real-world temporary works scenarios. Without practical experience to ground the procedural theory, candidates would find the application-based assessment very challenging.
3. The Focus is on Verification and Reporting
The Supervisor role is one of verification, and communication. The training emphasises the supervisor’s duty to be the ‘eyes and ears’ of the Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) on the ground. This means the course trains supervisors in two core actions:
- Verification: Checking the work being executed matches the TWC’s approved design and method statement. This is a constant monitoring role.
- Reporting: Promptly and formally reporting any deviations, defects, or unforeseen site conditions (like sudden flooding or ground instability) back to the TWC.
4. TWS Training: A Gateway to Greater Responsibility
The certificate is a significant professional credential. It acts as a gateway to greater responsibility.
For foremen and gangers, it formalises their existing leadership and technical oversight skills, positioning them for promotion. It’s also usually a necessary step in the CITB training pathway for those who aspire to become a Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) themselves later in their career.
Conclusion: 4 Things You Should Know About TWS Training
The Supervisor training is a one-day, mandatory course for supervisors focused on procedural compliance based on BS 5975. It’s not about design, but about procedure; it relies on your prior site experience to be effective; its core function is to train you in verification and reporting; and it’s also a powerful gateway to higher-level management roles within temporary works.
If you still have any questions regarding the course, then do not hesitate to get in touch.
Phone – 020 3488 4472
