Why Formal Training Matters for Construction Superintendents

One way construction businesses can set their companies up for success and take their team to the next level is by helping their superintendents learn new skills to meet their growing responsibilities.

Offering formal leadership training and certification opportunities can help new, current or future field leaders learn strategies to ensure quality, reduce risk and improve project results. Superintendent certification programs can help companies save money in the long run, leading to a positive return on investment (ROI).

Achieving Full Potential

You may have identified foremen or other individuals you believe would be good candidates for a superintendent position. However, your company may question the importance of giving them formal superintendent training — “Is it worth the time, effort and cost?”

The better question is, “Can we afford not to train our field leaders?” One study found that 74 percent of workers felt they weren’t achieving their full potential due to a lack of development opportunities. In the high-stakes world of construction, a superintendent performing at a fraction of their potential can result in a project that is only reaching a fraction of its potential profitability.

The ROI of a Trained and Certified Superintendent

It may take years of experience, hard work and training for superintendents to fully adapt to their new leadership position. However, proper instruction can lower this learning curve and help many new and aspiring field leaders grow into the role quicker.

The ROI of formally training a superintendent can be seen in multiple ways. A well-trained superintendent affects the production, quality, safety and morale of a worksite. They’ve developed the skills to effectively communicate with craft professionals and clients alike.

Here’s a closer look at some key areas where a construction company may see the ROI of a trained and certified superintendent.

Increased Productivity and Meeting Deadlines

With 77 percent of large projects encountering significant delays, construction companies are looking for ways to improve efficiency and productivity. Formal leadership training is one tactic to support this effort. A credentialed superintendent can spot problematic situations before they turn costly, keeping the crew on schedule and making sure contractual obligations are met.

Improved Quality and Reduction of Rework

A study found the costs associated with rework can come close to 9 percent of the project total — on multi-million dollar projects, poor work quality can add up quickly. A trained superintendent can be more likely to foresee issues or circumstances that impact work quality in advance, allowing them to work with foremen and their crews to take corrective action as soon as possible.

Improved Safety Performance

Superintendents who demonstrate a commitment to safety reflect positively on the quality of the build and on-time performance. Safer sites mean workers aren’t out due to injury. In 2021 the construction industry recorded 169,200 total injuries , with an estimated 40 percent of craft professionals missing multiple days of work.

Improved Client Relationships

A good superintendent requires more than just technical skills. They need to be a respected professional who can communicate and work with many different kinds of people, including clients and project owners. Through formal training, credentialed superintendents can obtain professional and soft skills to help maintain current client relationships and to grow a business’s contacts and leads, which is vital for repeat business opportunities.

Increased Employee Retention

Investment in formal leadership training can help you keep your leaders at your company. Ninety-four percent of employees said they would stay longer at a company if that company invested in their careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of replacing an individual employee can range from one-half to two times the employee’s annual salary , meaning your investment in training can potentially prevent a costly challenge in the future.

Training Made Easy

Formal training and certification are key to upgrading the talent on your team. The Construction Superintendent Certification Program provides comprehensive technical training designed to meet the highest standards of the construction industry, including establishing a baseline for the critical leadership responsibilities and expert knowledge expected of superintendents.

Industry subject matter experts crafted the 16-course program to simulate real-world experiences to ensure students are receiving the most current and relevant content available. The NCCER program includes an online self-paced option.

Craftsmen going through the Construction Superintendent Certification Program will gain experience in process planning and scheduling, productivity goals, safety oversight, and the development of more meaningful connections with co-workers and clients.

Get the Most from Your Talent

Are you getting the most out of your talent? Have you helped your superintendents unlock their full potential?

Certifying construction field leaders ensures your projects are overseen by qualified individuals who understand the most important parts of the job. Better people lead to better decisions, higher quality work and positive project outcomes — on time and on budget.