Document controller

How to become a document controller

There are several routes to becoming a document controller. You can gain the qualifications to help you on your career path to being a document controller by completing a university or college course, or an apprenticeship.

You should explore these options 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 able to follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

University

Some employers prefer applicants to hold higher qualifications. You could do an undergraduate degree or Higher National Diploma (HND). Relevant subjects include IT and business administration.

Afterwards, you may be able to join a company’s graduate trainee scheme.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find a university course
• Funding advice

College/training provider

Your local college or training provider may offer courses which will help you become a document controller. You could study for IT or administration qualifications or you could do a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in a relevant subject, such as information management.

You’ll generally need at least 3 GCSEs including English, and you may be required to sit an entry assessment for the college/training provider.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry. 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.

There is no direct apprenticeship to become a document controller. You could become an apprentice in an administrative, IT or a similar field and work your way towards this role.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find an apprenticeship near you
• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have experience as an administrator or an IT technician you may be able to apply to companies directly for work. Employers may be able to provide you with further training to become a document controller.

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 in construction. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience
  

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as an document controller include:

• Administration skills
• Be thorough and pay attention to detail
• Able to work well with others
• Customer service skills
• Able to use your initiative
• Knowledge of the English language
• Able to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• Flexible and open to change
• Able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Qualifications

What does a document controller do?

As a document controller you will be responsible for maintaining the accurate records of company documentation. You could be sorting electronic or hard copies of project documentation and producing reports based on this.

The job role of a document controller involves the following duties:

• Controlling company and project documentation
• Following and improving document control procedures
• Ensuring all documentation meets formal requirements and required standards
• Sorting, storing and retrieving electronic and hard copy documents on behalf of clients and industry professionals
• Producing document progress reports for senior managers
• Conducting regular reviews and document audits
• Using computers to organise and distribute documents within a company
• Helping in the planning stages of a specific project
• Ensure documents are shared at key times to facilitate timely project completion
• Working in an office.

How much could you earn as a document controller?

The expected salary for a document controller varies as you become more experienced

• Trainee and newly-trained document controllers can earn £17,000 - £20,000
• Trained document controllers with some experience can earn £20,000 - £35,000
• Senior document controllers may earn in excess of £35,000.*

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Check out the latest vacancies: 

• Reed
• Indeed

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to a senior role, such as a document manager, and earn a higher salary.