One of the ways construction companies can set their companies up for success and take their team to the next level is by helping their superintendents learn new skills to handle their growing responsibilities.
Providing formal leadership training and certification opportunities can help new, current, or future field leaders learn strategies to ensure quality, reduce risk, and improve project outcomes. Superintendent certification programs can help businesses save money in the long run, resulting in a positive return on investment (ROI).
Achieving full potential
You may have identified foremen or others who you think 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 expense?”
The better question is, “Can we afford not to train our field leaders?” One study found that 74% of workers felt they were not reaching their full potential due to a lack of development opportunities. In the world of high-risk construction, a superintendent operating at a fraction of his potential can result in a project that achieves only a fraction of its potential profitability.
The ROI of a Trained and Certified Superintendent
Superintendents may need years of experience, hard work, and training to fully adjust to their new leadership position. However, proper instruction can reduce this learning curve and help many new and aspiring field leaders grow faster.
The ROI of formal training for a superintendent can be seen in multiple ways. A well-trained superintendent affects the production, quality, safety and morale of a workplace. They have developed the skills to communicate effectively with both craft professionals and clients.
Here are some key areas where a construction company can see ROI from a trained and certified superintendent.
Increased productivity and meeting deadlines
With 77 percent of major projects experiencing significant delays, construction companies are looking for ways to improve efficiency and productivity. Formal leadership training is one tactic to support this effort. A certified superintendent can spot problem situations before they become costly, keeping the crew on schedule and ensuring contractual obligations are met.
Improvement of quality and reduction of rework
One study found that costs associated with rework can approach 9 percent of the project total—on multimillion-dollar projects, poor quality work can add up quickly. A trained superintendent may be more likely to anticipate problems or circumstances affecting the quality of work in advance, allowing them to work with foremen and their crews to take corrective action as early as possible.
Improved security performance
Superintendents who demonstrate a commitment to safety reflect positively on construction quality and on-time performance. Safer workplaces keep workers from leaving due to injury. In 2021, the construction industry recorded 169,200 total injuries, with an estimated 40% of craft professionals missing several days of work.
Improved customer relations
A good superintendent requires more than technical skills. They must be a respected professional who can communicate and work with many different types of people, including clients and project owners. Through formal training, Accredited Superintendents can gain professional and soft skills to help maintain current customer relationships and grow a company’s contacts and leads, which is vital for repeat business opportunities.
Increased employee retention
Investing in formal leadership training can help you keep your leaders in your company. Ninety-four percent of employees said they would stay at a company longer if that company invested in their careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of replacing an individual employee can range from half to twice the employee’s annual salary, meaning your investment in training can prevent a costly challenge down the road.
Training is easy
Formal training and certification are key to upskilling 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 designed the 16-course program to simulate real-world experiences to ensure students receive the most current and relevant content available. The NCCER program includes a self-paced online option.
Craftsmen who go through the construction superintendent certification program will gain experience in process planning and scheduling, productivity goals, safety oversight, and developing more meaningful connections with co-workers and customers.
Make the most of your talent
Are you making the most of your talent? Have you helped your superintendents unlock their full potential?
Construction Leaders Certification ensures that your projects are overseen by qualified people 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.
