How to become a compliance manager
There are several routes to becoming a compliance manager. You could complete a university or college course, an apprenticeship or apply directly to an employer for work.
You should explore these routes to becoming a compliance manager, to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.
You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.
University
You could complete an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, such as health and safety or business administration.
Once you have a first degree, you could go on to complete a postgraduate degree to gain more expertise, or undertake further professional qualifications offered by the International Compliance Association (ICA) which specialise in law, compliance, governance and risk.
Graduate training scheme
If you have a first degree in a related subject, you could apply to join a graduate training scheme. Your employer might support you to complete higher qualifications or do further training with the International Compliance Association (ICA).
College/training provider
You could complete a college course to start you on your journey to becoming a compliance manager, such as an accountancy course or Access to Higher Education course.
Apprenticeship
You could complete an apprenticeship to help you on your career path to becoming a compliance manager.
You could enrol on an accounting or law-based apprenticeship. This would not necessarily need to be with a construction company, as you could specialise in compliance within the construction industry once you are qualified.
Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.
Work
If you have some previous experience or relevant qualifications, you could apply directly to a construction company to gain experience as a compliance manager. You might start out as an assistant and progress as your abilities improve.
Work experience
Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a compliance manager. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.
Skills
Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a compliance manager include:
- Understanding of legal standards relating to construction
- Excellent communications skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to problem-solve
- Project management skills.
