Finishing foreman

How to become a finishing foreman

There are several routes to becoming a finishing foreman. You could complete a university or college course, an apprenticeship, or apply directly to an employer. 

You should explore these routes to becoming a finishing foreman 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. 

University 

To help you become a finishing foreman, you could complete a Higher National Diploma (HND), a foundation degree or an undergraduate degree that is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained 
• Find a university course 
• Funding advice 

College/training provider 

To help you on your journey to becoming a finishing foreman, you could complete a course.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

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

Apprenticeship 

You could start your career as an apprentice in most construction trades and then work your way up to being a finishing foreman. Alternatively, you could apply for a higher apprenticeship in construction management.  

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you’ll 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. 

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find an apprenticeship near you
• Guide to apprenticeships 

Work 

If you’re an experienced surveyor, site supervisor, engineer or building technician, you may be able to apply directly for a role as a finishing foreman and undertake further training as necessary on the job. 

Work experience 

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a finishing foreman. 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 a finishing foreman include:  

• Knowledge of building and construction 
• Good communication skills 
• Excellent attention to detail 
• Understanding of site health and safety 
• Time management skills 
• Leadership abilities 
• Logical thinking and problem solving. 

Qualifications

What does a finishing foreman do?

As a finishing foreman, you’d be responsible for overseeing construction projects and ensuring that completed work meets the standards and specifications pre-agreed with clients. 

The job role of a finishing foreman involves the following duties:  

• Liaising with colleagues and clients 
• Overseeing project schedules and ensuring working is completed on time 
• Monitoring budgets to avoid overspend 
• Supervising construction workers and subcontractors 
• Reporting on project progress to senior managers and stakeholders 
• Conducting quality and safety inspections 
• Ensuring work is finished to the agreed standards 
• Maintaining quality control checks 
• Coordinating teams 
• Day to day problem solving and dealing with any issues that arise 
• Signing off and handing completed work over to the client. 

How much could you earn as a finishing foreman?

The expected salary for a finishing foreman varies as you become more experienced. 

• A newly trained finishing foreman can earn around £25,000 
• An experienced finishing foreman can earn up to £60,000* 
• As a self-employed finishing foreman, you would set your own rates. 

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 finishing foreman vacancies:  

• Indeed 
• Totaljobs  

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

Career path and progression

As a finishing foreman, you could progress to become a quality assurance manager, site manager, or construction manager or director. Depending on your capabilities, you could also move into surveying, engineering or estimating. 

Alternatively, you could set yourself up as a self-employed consultant.