Do Employers Acknowledge the SMSTS Online Course?

In the ever-evolving landscape of the UK construction industry, ensuring health and safety compliance tends to be paramount. The Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) stands as a cornerstone in equipping site managers with the necessary knowledge, and skills, to uphold such standards. And with the rise of digital learning, the SMSTS course is now available entirely online, offering a far more accessible option for busy professionals. But do employers acknowledge the SMSTS online course as much as they acknowledge the in-person version? This comprehensive blog will be breaking down all you need to know about the online SMSTS course, its recognition amongst employers, and the significant impact it can have on career progression.

smsts online course

What is SMSTS?

The SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) is a five-day training course developed by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). Designed for site managers, project managers, and individuals in roles where they are responsible for overseeing and directing the work of others, it provides a robust understanding of health, safety, welfare, and environmental standards on construction sites.

Additionally, the course also outlines the legal responsibilities of site managers when it comes to implementing and enforcing safety regulations. This ensures that site managers are better equipped to meet the industry’s stringent safety requirements, all while fostering safer workplace environments.

Attaining this certification is more than just a technical qualification. It mirrors a professional’s commitment to upholding critical safety standards, thereby making them highly sought after in the construction sector, both in the UK and beyond.

Is the SMSTS Online Course Valued By Employers?

The online version of the SMSTS course holds the same accreditation and recognition as its in-person counterpart. Employers across the UK construction industry acknowledge the validity of online SMSTS certification, as long as it’s obtained through a CITB-approved training provider like CST Training. This ensures that the online format is in no way compromising on content, nor on the quality of delivery.

Rather than focusing on the mode of training, employers value the certification’s proof of the holder’s health and safety expertise.

The global shift to digital learning, accelerated by necessity in recent years, has also made remote qualifications more and more mainstream. Employers now recognise online credentials as an efficient, flexible way for professionals to enhance their qualifications without compromising on learning outcomes.

Is Online Training Valued in the Same Way as Classroom Training?

Both online and in-person SMSTS courses are equally valued in the eyes of employers, because both formats adhere to the standardised CITB curriculum.

While classroom-based training may appeal to those who prefer direct interaction and structured environments, online training offers unparalleled flexibility. Learners can access the course material remotely, reducing the need for time off work or travel expenses, and it can also make an excellent fit for professionals juggling full-time responsibilities, or those in more remote locations who can’t reliably travel to a training centre for five days.

Employers care more about the end result- in this case, a certified individual with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to maintain and enforce health and safety standards on construction sites. For many companies, the ability to pursue the SMSTS course online highlights the learner’s ability to adapt to evolving technologies, a trait of increasing importance in the modern workplace. But, ultimately, both the online version and the in-person version hold the same weight in the eyes of employers.

How Does the SMSTS Online Course Work?

The online version of the SMSTS course is structured to ensure the same learning outcomes as traditional classroom settings. Delivered over five consecutive days via platforms like Zoom, the course uses interactive digital tools to foster active engagement.

Here are some of the key features of the online course delivery:

Live Instructor-Led Sessions: CITB-qualified trainers lead the sessions, recreating the classroom experience through live lectures
Interactive Components: Participants take part in group discussions, case studies, and practical problem-solving exercises, ensuring active participation
Accessibility: Candidates can join from the comfort of their home, provided they have a stable internet connection, microphone, and webcam, and can complete the course in exam conditions
Assessment: At the end of the course, participants must pass a multiple-choice test to earn their certification. This exam challenges candidates to reflect on key course learnings, ensuring competency

The course’s delivery method clearly demonstrates that the online SMSTS course does not sacrifice depth or interaction for convenience.

Is SMSTS Training a Legal Requirement for Site Managers?

Strictly speaking, SMSTS training is not a legal requirement. However, it is considered the industry standard for site management roles. Many employers, contractors, and principal contractors insist on SMSTS certification as essential for hiring and deploying site personnel.

The course aligns with regulatory requirements outlined in:

The Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) 1974
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM)

Employers are increasingly unlikely to take on untrained site managers due to the potential legal and financial risks associated with workplace accidents. While not strictly mandated by law, the SMSTS qualification helps construction firms meet their duty of care obligations and reduce liability risks.

construction site

Key Areas Covered by the SMSTS Course

The SMSTS course delivers well-rounded knowledge of critical areas affecting construction site safety and management.

Course modules include:
Health and Safety Legislation – Exploring legal frameworks and compliance standards
Risk Assessments and Method Statements – Teaching candidates to identify hazards and implement appropriate controls
Fire Safety and Prevention – Covering emergency protocols and fire control strategies
Working at Height – Ensuring compliance with fall protection protocols
Occupational Health Hazards – Understanding exposures impacting workers’ long-term health
Environmental Considerations – Including sustainability practices and waste management strategies

This breadth of content ensures site managers are well-prepared to handle complex challenges and create safer construction environments.

Debunking Common Misconceptions About Online SMSTS Training

Some professionals wonder whether online training provides the same level of engagement and learning intensity as in-person formats. Yet, this concern is quickly debunked when considering the efforts CITB-approved providers place in designing interactive material and live teaching for virtual platforms. Every session is structured to replicate classroom scenarios, allowing full interaction with trainers and other participants.

Additionally, a lingering myth exists that employers view traditional learning as more “serious.” However, modern employers understand the increasing viability of online credentials. Their primary concern remains around course accreditation, not learning channels.

Long-Term Career Benefits of the SMSTS Online Course

Attaining the SMSTS certification, whether online or in-person, can unlock significant career opportunities. Employers recognise certified professionals as assets to their teams, giving you an immediate edge in recruitment processes.

Some of the potential career benefits can include:

Improved Job Prospects: Gain access to higher-level positions and managerial roles unavailable to uncertified candidates
Higher Salaries: Certified professionals often command higher wages due to their added value to organisations
Enhanced Leadership Capabilities: Oversee complex projects confidently with the skills acquired in SMSTS training

Long-term, the SMSTS qualification positions candidates as thought leaders in the industry with a strong focus on health and safety excellence.

Why Take the SMSTS Online Course with CST Training?

When doing an SMSTS course, choosing a reliable training provider is key to a constructive learning experience. CST Training stands out as a preferred provider due to their CITB accreditation, skilled instructors, and innovative teaching methods.

Benefits of CST Training:

Flexibility – CST enables professionals to book sessions around their responsibilities
Technical Support – Experienced staff help participants handle any online platform issues
Engaging Sessions – Trainers at CST design highly interactive content tailored for digital learning

For participants prioritising both quality and convenience, CST’s online SMSTS courses provide both.

How Can You Showcase Your SMSTS Certification to Employers?

Having an SMSTS certification is a significant achievement. However, effectively displaying it in job applications or interviews can further improve employer perception.

Some tips for highlighting your credentials:

On Your CV: List your qualification under certifications and briefly mention the CITB accreditation
During Interviews: Share real-world scenarios where health and safety knowledge played pivotal roles in project success
Via LinkedIn: Update your professional profile to attract recruiters from the construction sector

Proactively showcasing your SMSTS credentials reinforces the value you can bring to their team and puts your application ahead of the competition.

How to Choose the Best Online SMSTS Course

Not all SMSTS courses are created equal. Selecting the right training provider is imperative to receiving a high-quality education. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a provider:

Accreditation: Does the provider display proof of CITB approval?
Reviews: What are past participants saying about the course experience?
Added Resources: Do they supplement lessons with downloadable materials or tutorial videos?

Investing in a trustworthy provider ensures your certification holds weight with employers.

Conclusion: Do Employers Acknowledge the SMSTS Online Course?

Employers in the UK construction industry unquestionably value the SMSTS online course, as long as it matches the strict accreditation and quality demands of CITB standards. Whether undertaken virtually or in the classroom, SMSTS provides professionals with vital safety and managerial skills, ensuring their competency in real-world environments. If advancing your career, earning employer respect, and improving safety are your goals, this online option is a trusted and credible route to achieving them.

site manager