CITB Temporary Works Supervisor Training Course (TWSTC)

The CITB Temporary Works Supervisor Training Course (TWSTC) is a specialised one-day program designed for those who have the responsibility of supervising all forms of temporary works on construction sites. This course adheres to the guidelines set out in BS 5975:2019, focusing on the critical supervision roles necessary for safe and effective management of temporary works. It includes foundational technical awareness and emphasises the importance of communication, coordination, cooperation, and competence—often referred to as the 4Cs. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the supervisory aspects of temporary works, equipping them with the skills to manage risks and ensure compliance effectively.

What can I expect from Temporary Works Supervisor Training?

Participants in the CITB TWSTC Course will enhance their capabilities in:

• Understanding the roles and responsibilities of a Temporary Works Supervisor.
• Comprehending the interplay between various legislation and temporary works.
• Applying best practices for supervising temporary works to ensure safety and compliance.
• Developing strategies for effective communication and coordination among construction teams involved in temporary works.

Can I effectively supervise temporary works with CITB TWSTC training?

Yes, the TWSTC course equips you with critical knowledge and skills to effectively supervise temporary works on construction sites. By completing this training, you will be better prepared to support the coordination and management of temporary works, ensuring projects are executed safely and efficiently.

Participate in the CITB TWSTC Online Course, which offers flexible and convenient training solutions for professionals. This online adaptation maintains the high standards of the in-person course, ensuring adherence to the technical and managerial guidelines established by BS 5975:2019.

Are there any entry requirements for the CITB TWSTC course? 

The TWSTC course is designed for individuals who are currently in or aspire to be in supervisory roles overseeing temporary works. There are no formal prerequisites for enrolling in this course. However, it is beneficial for participants to have a foundational understanding of construction site safety and temporary works. This background helps participants to more effectively engage with the course material and apply the knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Learners are expected to have a working knowledge of the following legislation: 

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007
• Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
• Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
• The Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2022
• The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
• The Work at Height Regulations 2005.

A key issue for temporary works is health and safety, so learners need to be prepared to discuss how health and safety legislation is relevant to temporary works, as well as which Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) and H&S ACOPs may assist or contribute to safe practices in temporary works.

Learners need to be prepared to discuss and explore all the core health and safety factors that are integrated into temporary works processes at all stages of a project, from initiation to closure. They will need to have working knowledge of all associated legislation, specifically the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 in terms of its intention and compliance. Learners must also have a thorough understanding of health and safety principles, and understand the importance of risk management, design considerations, inspection and testing and recording and monitoring requirements.

Learners who have achieved a certificate approved against the Health and Safety in Construction Site Supervision standard (such as SSSTS or SSSTS-R) or the Health and Safety in Construction Site Management standard (such as SMSTS or SMSTS-R), will have gained the knowledge to meet these expectations. This is not a mandatory pre-requisite, but learners with these achievements will benefit from having this knowledge before attending the course.

To further support learners, CITB has created a Temporary works awareness eLearning which provides a foundation of the points that will be expanded on in this course. It explores how health and safety legislation plays a pivotal role in temporary works, and how documents which are common to more generic construction activities are a useful aid for planning and the ongoing management and monitoring of temporary works. Learners may  find it helpful to complete the Temporary works awareness eLearning, which is free to access here.

How is the CITB TWSTC course assessed?

The assessment process for the CITB Temporary Works Supervisor Training Course is designed to ensure a thorough understanding and application of the supervisory principles of temporary works. The evaluation methods are structured as follows:

• Interactive Discussions: Throughout the course, participants are actively involved in discussions that challenge their understanding of the course material. These discussions are aimed at assessing the ability to critically analyse and apply the concepts of temporary works supervision in real-life scenarios.
• Written Examination: At the conclusion of the course, a written examination tests participants on key topics covered during the training. This exam includes questions on safety management, compliance with current legislation, and the effective supervision of temporary works. The examination is crafted to measure the participants’ comprehension and their ability to integrate and apply the knowledge in a supervisory context.
• Scenario-Based Exercises: To evaluate practical application skills, participants engage in scenario-based exercises that simulate actual temporary works supervision challenges. These exercises assess the participants' ability to apply their learned knowledge effectively under typical construction site conditions. Participants must demonstrate competency in managing risks, coordinating tasks, and ensuring safety compliance through these practical assessments.

Successfully completing these assessment components is crucial for demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a Temporary Works Supervisor. This robust assessment process ensures that all participants are well-prepared to handle the complexities of supervising temporary works, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency on construction sites.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the Temporary Works Supervisor Training Course, participants receive a CITB TWSTC certificate, valid for five years. This certification reaffirms their expertise in supervising temporary works and compliance with industry standards.

What are the progression opportunities after completing the CITB TWSTC course?

Completing the TWSTC course not only boosts your skills in supervising temporary works but also opens up opportunities for further professional development in construction management. It lays the groundwork for advanced roles, potentially leading to positions that require more extensive oversight of safety and compliance on larger or more complex projects.