On a construction project, a general foreman is also known as a superintendent, and this person is in charge of overseeing jobs from start to finish. To become a general foreman, you’ll need at least a few years of construction experience, but you’ll also need some education. After completing all of the necessary steps, an apprenticeship under the supervision of an experienced foreman will introduce you to some of the responsibilities of this position.
To work as a general foreman, you must have at least a high school diploma or an equivalent degree. It’s possible that you’ll need an associate’s degree or vocational school experience, and the degree should be in construction or a related field. Also, if you want to be a general foreman, you’ll probably need management experience on construction projects. Years of experience as a construction laborer may be counted toward college credits, which can help speed up the process of becoming a foreman.
Working for a few years as a project supervisor on a construction site will demonstrate your ability to lead on the job. Leadership abilities, as well as a working knowledge of construction, are essential. Given that you will most likely be coordinating the work of various types of laborers, you should be familiar with the various types of construction equipment, tools, and machines.
A general foreman’s abilities should include the ability to communicate with construction workers such as electricians, plumbers, builders, and painters. This person should be driven to work independently while also overseeing the work of other workers and jobs. Because a foreman may start the day at a desk ordering materials and coordinating deliveries or pickups and then spend the rest of the day on the job site interacting with laborers, versatility is required. Someone who wants to be a general foreman will benefit from being able to multitask on the job.
Keep your eyes peeled for various opportunities as you work toward becoming a general foreman. Large facilities, for example, that host major events such as trade shows for various industries, are constantly constructing and changing exhibits for event attendees. The facility may hire a general foreman to supervise all of the construction workers involved in preparing for these events. Typical responsibilities include hiring union or non-union laborers, as well as constructing and dismantling displays while staying within budget. In addition to ensuring that the appropriate materials and equipment are on hand, the general foreman may be expected to coordinate the schedules of electricians and other construction workers.