Jobs as a foreman are common in blue-collar industries like construction and manufacturing. In many ways, foremen are the corporate industry’s equivalent of middle management. Foremen are typically in charge of supervising a group of workers and reporting to management, so they may earn more than entry-level craft force or floor workers. When it comes to filling foreman positions, construction and manufacturing companies, unlike other industries, prioritize on-the-job experience over formal education or training.
Foreman jobs are considered job advancement in some companies and may be given to employees who have completed some type of continuing education course. It is up to the individual company whether these classes are offered in-house or through an association or other accredited facility. Foreman jobs may pay more in exchange for more responsibility, depending on the industry.
Keeping track of employees’ time sheets, completing paperwork, and conferring with managers about production, schedules, manpower, and employee performance are some of the responsibilities associated with foreman jobs. Foremen are often in charge of assigning tasks to their company’s general workforce and overseeing a job from start to finish, based on instructions from managers. Because foremen are usually in charge of enforcing day-to-day workplace safety, they are frequently required to have knowledge of occupational safety.
In many industries, a foreman reports to a higher-ranking employee, such as a superintendent or salaried managers. Although foreman jobs are typically paid by hourly reimbursement rather than salary, they may have additional job benefits such as additional vacation days or sick days that other hourly employees do not. Foreman jobs may be salaried in some industries, with opportunities for advancement to higher-paying positions such as superintendent.
Commercial and residential construction, concrete, electrical, machine shops, and manufacturing are all industries where the foreman/superintendent hierarchy is common. While many industries prefer on-the-job experience over additional education, some industries do require individuals to have specific career training or certification. Similar tiers of employment may exist in union jobs, but foreman jobs are frequently available only after journeyman status has been achieved.
Speaking directly to human resources or hiring managers within specific industries is the best way to learn about foreman jobs in specific fields. Keep in mind that, even within the same industry, each company offers employees different advancement opportunities. Some companies prefer to hire foremen from within the company, while others prefer to hire someone with experience in the same field from outside the company.