CITB Courses: Who are They For?
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is one of the key organisations in the UK construction sector. It’s dedicated to raising standards of health, safety, and skills across the workforce. CITB courses are trusted by employers, recognised by regulatory bodies, and valued by workers who want to progress their careers.
Some of the courses are designed for those taking their first steps into the industry, while others provide experienced workers with the advanced knowledge required to manage large-scale projects safely and effectively. Whether you’re a labourer, supervisor, manager, or employer, there’s most likely a course that’s suited to your role.
Today’s blog will be looking at who the courses are for, focusing specifically on some of the most popular options provided by CST Training: SMSTS, SSSTS, Temporary Works Coordinator, Temporary Works Supervisor, the HSA Green Card course, and SEATS. By breaking down the audience for each course, we’ll provide a clear picture of how CITB training supports every level of the construction industry.
Why CITB Courses Are Essential for the Industry
Construction is a high-risk sector. The stakes are, typically, very high. Poorly managed health and safety can result in accidents, injuries, costly project delays, and legal consequences. Safety training courses exist to minimise these risks by equipping workers with the knowledge and skills they need to perform their jobs safely and competently.
Employers benefit from a safer workforce, reduced liability, and higher productivity. Employees benefit from having formal qualifications that not only make them safer on the job, but also open doors to career progression.
The courses are far from generic. Each programme is carefully designed with a specific type of worker in mind, ensuring that training is relevant, practical, and directly applicable on-site. From labourers learning the basics of health and safety to managers developing advanced site leadership skills, these courses are a cornerstone of the UK’s construction training framework.
SMSTS: Who Should Take the Site Management Safety Training Scheme?
The Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) is one of the flagship CITB courses, aimed squarely at those in senior positions. It’s most ideal for:
- Site managers
- Project managers
- Supervisors moving into higher responsibility roles
- Company directors involved in construction operations
The SMSTS is often described as the “gold standard” for site managers. It covers in-depth topics such as construction law, risk assessments, hazard control, leadership in safety culture, and CDM (Construction Design and Management) regulations.
For managers responsible for large projects and diverse teams, this course is essential. It not only ensures compliance with legislation, but also provides practical skills for overseeing safety on complex construction sites.
How CITB Courses Support Construction Managers
For construction managers, courses like SMSTS provide far more than theoretical knowledge. They offer practical tools that can be applied directly to site management. For example, participants learn how to develop and implement site-specific risk assessments, how to run effective safety briefings, and how to build a culture where safety is prioritised at every level.
Employers often make SMSTS a requirement for management positions because it demonstrates a manager’s ability to handle the legal and practical aspects of safety. In many cases, holding the SMSTS certification is the difference between securing a managerial role or being overlooked.
SSSTS: Is the Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme Right for You?
The Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) is designed for workers who have stepped up from being part of a crew to overseeing one. It’s the perfect fit for:
- Team leaders
- First-line supervisors
- Operatives looking to progress into supervisory roles
The SSSTS course covers the essentials: how to deliver toolbox talks, monitor compliance, handle incidents, and ensure workers follow site safety rules. While less in-depth than SMSTS, it gives supervisors the confidence to manage small teams effectively.
This course is also often a contractual requirement. Many companies will not allow someone to act as a site supervisor without an SSSTS qualification.
CITB Courses for Supervisors and Team Leaders
Supervisors play a pivotal role in construction. They’re the link between management and operatives, translating company policies and safety standards into practical action.
By training supervisors, CITB ensures that safety culture filters down the chain of command. Instead of relying on managers alone, companies benefit from having supervisors on the ground who can enforce rules, spot hazards, and mentor less experienced workers.
Supervisors trained through SSSTS are also more confident in escalating issues, and ensuring that potential risks are addressed before they turn into accidents.
Temporary Works Coordinator: Who Needs This Course?
Temporary works, such as scaffolding, are vital to construction projects but come with significant risks if not managed correctly. The Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) course is for those tasked with overseeing the design and execution of these works.
Typical candidates include:
- Site managers
- Senior engineers
- Experienced supervisors
The course focuses on legal responsibilities, risk management, communication, and ensuring compliance with BS 5975 (the code of practice for temporary works). A TWC acts as the central point of control, coordinating between designers, contractors, and site teams.
How CITB Courses Prepare Workers for Temporary Works Roles
Temporary works failures can lead to catastrophic accidents. That’s why CITB’s training in this area is so critical. Both the Temporary Works Coordinator and Temporary Works Supervisor courses provide the skills to ensure structures are safe and compliant.
These courses prepare workers to:
- Implement proper checks and inspections
- Understand load management and stability
- Maintain accurate records and approvals
- Communicate effectively between teams
By completing CITB’s temporary works courses, workers are better equipped to reduce risks, improve safety, and ensure projects run smoothly.
Temporary Works Supervisor: Who Should Enrol?
The Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS) course is aimed at those who directly monitor and check temporary works on-site. Unlike the Coordinator, who oversees the process, the Supervisor ensures day-to-day compliance.
It’s best suited for:
- Supervisors working on sites with significant temporary works
- Team leaders responsible for scaffolding, formwork, or hoardings
- Operatives progressing into supervisory roles in temporary works
CITB Courses for Ensuring Safe Temporary Structures
Temporary structures are inherently risky because they are not permanent parts of a building. They must be planned, monitored, and dismantled correctly. These courses ensure that both Coordinators and Supervisors have the tools to manage this safely.
Without trained personnel, projects risk costly delays, dangerous collapses, or legal penalties. With trained staff, however, employers can ensure temporary works meet regulatory standards and protect workers on-site.
HSA Green Card Course: Who Is It Designed For?
The Health and Safety Awareness (HSA) course is designed for those new to the construction industry. Completing this course, along with the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test, allows candidates to apply for the Green CSCS Labourer Card.
The HSA course covers essential topics such as:
- Recognising workplace hazards
- Understanding site rules and signage
- Basic health and safety law
- Worker responsibilities
Why CITB Courses Matter for Entry-Level Workers
For newcomers, courses like the HSA provide confidence, structure, and a pathway into the industry. Employers know that workers with a Green Card have the baseline knowledge required to stay safe on-site.
The course also sets a foundation for career progression. Once workers have their Green Card, they can gain experience and later move on to qualifications like SSSTS or trade-specific NVQs. Without this first step, many entry-level opportunities simply aren’t accessible.
SEATS: Who Should Take the Environmental Awareness Course?
The Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS) is increasingly important as the construction industry places greater emphasis on sustainability. The course is designed for:
- Supervisors
- Managers
- Workers responsible for implementing environmental policies
SEATS covers issues such as waste management, pollution control, ecological protection, and energy efficiency. It helps workers understand how their actions affect the environment and gives them tools to minimise negative impacts.
CITB Courses for Workers Focused on Sustainability
CITB’s SEATS course highlights the industry’s commitment to sustainability. As clients and regulators demand greener practices, having staff trained in environmental awareness becomes a competitive advantage.
For workers, SEATS demonstrates forward-thinking and responsibility. For employers, it ensures compliance with environmental regulations and shows clients they are serious about sustainability.
CITB Courses for Employers Looking to Upskill Their Workforce
Employers often look to CITB training as part of their workforce development strategy. By enrolling workers on the right courses, employers not only meet legal obligations but also:
- Reduce workplace accidents
- Improve efficiency and productivity
- Build loyalty among staff
- Win more contracts by demonstrating compliance
Upskilling through safety training is an investment that pays dividends in safety, reputation, and project success.
Conclusion (CITB Courses: Who are They For?)
CITB courses are designed for every stage of a construction career. From newcomers seeking their first Green Card to managers overseeing large projects, these courses provide the training and recognition necessary to succeed in the industry.
By focusing on safety, compliance, sustainability, and career progression, CITB ensures that workers, employers, and clients all benefit. Whether it’s SMSTS for managers, SSSTS for supervisors, Temporary Works courses for specialists, or SEATS for sustainability, CITB training supports the future of construction.
If you still have any questions regarding the courses, then do not hesitate to get in touch.
Phone – 020 3488 4472
