Course overview
2-Day Live Online Video-Link Class: 08:30–16:00.
Bristol has one of the busiest construction pipelines in the South West, from housing and student accommodation across the city to infrastructure, commercial fit-out and civils work stretching out along the Severnside corridor towards Avonmouth and the wider region. Behind every one of those sites is a supervisor keeping the work moving safely, and that is exactly the person the Site Supervisors’ Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) is designed for. Our SSSTS course gives Bristol-based supervisors a recognised CITB qualification and the practical grounding to manage risk on site with confidence.
About the SSSTS Course
The SSSTS is a two-day programme developed by CITB under the Site Safety Plus scheme. It is the standard entry-level supervisory safety qualification for the construction and civil engineering industries, sitting a level below the five-day SMSTS that site managers take. Where SMSTS is aimed at those planning, organising and controlling whole sites, SSSTS focuses on the front-line supervisor: the person who runs a gang, oversees a work area, delivers the toolbox talks and makes sure the method statement is actually being followed on the ground.
The qualification is recognised by CITB and endorsed by the UK Contractors Group (UKCG), which is why it is routinely written into main-contractor prequalification requirements and asked for at induction on sites across Bristol and the rest of the country. Holding a current SSSTS certificate is a straightforward way to show employers and clients that you understand your legal duties and can supervise work safely.
Who Should Attend?
This course is aimed at anyone with supervisory responsibility for health and safety on a construction site, or anyone about to take on that responsibility. It is a strong fit for:
- Site supervisors and first-line managers
- Gangers, chargehands and team leaders
- Experienced tradespeople moving up into a supervisory role
- Foremen overseeing a work area or a subcontract package
- Anyone responsible for delivering site inductions and toolbox talks
- Supervisors working in the construction and civil engineering sectors
- Those who need a recognised card-scheme qualification to work on Bristol sites
You do not need any prior safety qualifications to attend. Many delegates come to us having just been handed their first supervisory role, while others are long-standing supervisors who now need the formal certificate to satisfy a client or main contractor.
What the Course Covers
Over the two days, your CITB-approved tutor works through the health and safety knowledge a supervisor genuinely uses day to day, always tied back to how it applies on a real site. Topics include:
- The supervisor’s role and legal responsibilities for health and safety
- The Health and Safety at Work Act and the key supporting regulations
- The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) and how they affect supervisors
- Risk assessments and method statements, and how to monitor that they are followed on site
- Carrying out effective site inductions and delivering toolbox talks
- Building and reinforcing a positive safety culture within your team
- Monitoring and controlling common high-risk activities
- Understanding and managing occupational health risks
- Behavioural safety and how to influence the way your team works
The sessions are interactive rather than a straight lecture. You will take part in discussion, work through practical scenarios and apply the learning to situations you recognise from your own projects, so it lands as something you can use rather than something you sit through.
Course Structure & Assessment
The SSSTS runs across two consecutive days, each starting at 08:30 and finishing at 16:00. Both days are tutor-led in real time, so you can ask questions and talk through your own site situations as they come up.
To achieve the qualification, you will need to:
- Attend both days in full
- Take an active part in the group exercises and discussions
- Complete the knowledge checks that run through the course
- Pass the end-of-course assessment, which combines a multiple-choice paper with a short written exercise
Because the training is engaging and hands-on throughout, most delegates find the assessment a fair reflection of what they have covered. Our SSSTS courses carry a 98% pass rate, and your tutor supports you the whole way through.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal prerequisites and no prior safety qualifications are needed to attend. The course, materials and exam are all delivered in English, so delegates do need a good standard of spoken and written English to take part fully and complete the assessment. Some experience of working in construction is helpful but not essential. If you are joining the live online class, you will also need a computer, laptop or tablet with a webcam and microphone, plus a reliable internet connection. If you are unsure whether the course is right for you, get in touch before booking and we will happily advise.
Why Train Online from Bristol
Delivering the SSSTS as a live online class solves a real problem for Bristol supervisors. Site work does not pause easily, and losing a supervisor to travel on top of two training days is time and cost most firms would rather avoid. Learning online means your supervisors qualify from a site cabin, the office or home, anywhere with a stable connection, and are back on the tools with minimal disruption.
It is not a watered-down version of the classroom course. You are in a live, tutor-led session with other delegates, following exactly the same CITB syllabus and timetable, with the same opportunity to ask questions and discuss real scenarios. The only thing missing is the commute. That makes it a practical option not just for supervisors in central Bristol but for anyone working across the wider South West and Severnside area, from the surrounding towns to sites further out where getting to a fixed training centre would eat up a large part of the day.
For employers with more than one supervisor to certify, the online format is especially efficient: you can put several people through their SSSTS in the same week without arranging travel, overnight stays or cover for long absences, and raise safety standards consistently across your Bristol projects.
If you would still prefer a face-to-face setting, a classroom option is available at £279. Both routes lead to the same CITB Site Safety Plus SSSTS certificate.
Qualification & Renewal
On successfully completing the course and passing the assessment, you will be awarded the CITB Site Safety Plus SSSTS Certificate. It is recognised throughout the UK construction industry and is valid for five years.
To keep your qualification current, you complete a one-day SSSTS Refresher course before your certificate expires. The refresher brings you up to date with any changes in legislation and best practice and renews your certificate for a further five years, so it is worth noting your expiry date and booking in good time rather than letting the qualification lapse.
Pricing
The SSSTS course is £199 for the live online class and £279 for the classroom option. Both include tutor-led delivery across the two days, your course materials and the end-of-course assessment. There are no hidden extras. Given that a current SSSTS is often a condition of getting on site as a supervisor in Bristol, it is a modest, one-off investment that pays back across the five years the certificate is valid.
How to Book
Booking your SSSTS course in Bristol is straightforward. Choose an upcoming date that suits you, reserve your place online, and you will receive joining instructions along with everything you need to prepare for the live session. If you are booking for a team, or you would like to talk through dates and availability, our team is happy to help you organise the right option for your business. Secure your place today and give your supervisors the recognised safety qualification that Bristol sites expect.
Frequently asked questions
Is the SSSTS course the same as the SMSTS course?
No. The SSSTS is a two-day course for site supervisors, gangers and first-line managers, while the SMSTS is a five-day course aimed at site managers who plan, organise and control whole sites. If you run a gang or a work area and report to a site manager, SSSTS is almost always the qualification you need. If you are unsure which one a Bristol contractor is asking for, check their prequalification or induction requirements, or get in touch and we will point you to the right course.
Do I need to travel to a venue in Bristol to take the course?
Not for the live online option. The course is delivered over a video link, so you can join from a site cabin, your office or home anywhere in Bristol or the wider South West, as long as you have a device with a webcam and microphone and a reliable internet connection. This saves you the travel time and cost on top of the two training days. A classroom option is also available if you would prefer to attend in person.
Will an SSSTS certificate be accepted on construction sites around Bristol?
Yes. The SSSTS is a CITB Site Safety Plus qualification recognised across the UK construction industry and endorsed by the UK Contractors Group (UKCG). It is the standard supervisory safety qualification that main contractors and clients in Bristol and across the South West ask for, and it is frequently written into prequalification and site induction requirements.
How long is the SSSTS certificate valid, and how do I renew it?
The certificate is valid for five years. To renew it you take a one-day SSSTS Refresher course before your existing certificate expires, which updates you on any changes to legislation and best practice and extends your qualification for another five years. It is worth noting your expiry date and booking the refresher in good time so your qualification does not lapse.
What are the timings, and how many days is the course?
The SSSTS runs over two consecutive days, with each day starting at 08:30 and finishing at 16:00. Both days are led live by a CITB-approved tutor in real time, so you can ask questions and discuss your own site situations as you go.
Do I need any previous qualifications or construction experience to attend?
No prior safety qualifications are required, and while some experience of working in construction is helpful it is not essential. The main requirement is a good standard of spoken and written English, because the course, materials and exam are all delivered in English. The course is designed to suit people who have just moved into a supervisory role as well as experienced supervisors who now need the formal certificate.
How much does the SSSTS course cost in Bristol?
The live online SSSTS course is £199, and the in-person classroom option is £279. Both prices include the tutor-led two-day training, your course materials and the end-of-course assessment, and both lead to the same CITB Site Safety Plus SSSTS certificate.
Modules breakdown
Our comprehensive SSSTS training covers the following key areas:
Health and Safety Law
- Current legislation affecting construction supervision
- Legal responsibilities of supervisors on site
- Understanding Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) requirements
- Health and safety regulations specific to construction activities
- Consequences of non-compliance for individuals and companies
Risk Management
- Principles of risk assessment
- Understanding and implementing method statements
- Delivering method statement briefings for workers
- Managing common site hazards effectively
- Control measures for various construction activities
- Managing hazardous substances
Supervisory Responsibilities
- The supervisor’s role in safety management
- Building and maintaining a positive safety culture
- Identifying and addressing bad practice
- Effective communication techniques
- Managing subcontractors and visitors
- Conducting site inductions and safety briefings
Practical Safety Management
- Planning for site safety
- Conducting effective toolbox talks
- Safety inspection procedures
- Accident reporting and investigation
- Record-keeping requirements
- Promoting safety awareness among workers
Health and Wellbeing
- Occupational health concerns in construction
- Behavioural safety approaches
- Managing workplace stress
- Noise, vibration and dust exposure
- Manual handling best practices
- Worker welfare requirements
Environmental Issues
- Environmental responsibilities on site
- Waste management and reduction
- Energy efficiency considerations
- Pollution prevention
- Sustainable construction practices
- Regulatory compliance
Course Structure
The CITB SSSTS course is delivered over two consecutive days through our professional remote learning platform:
- Led by experienced instructors with extensive construction backgrounds
- Interactive sessions with fellow construction professionals
- Comprehensive digital training materials provided
- Practical scenarios and case studies
- Group discussions and knowledge-sharing opportunities
Full attendance across both days is required to qualify for the examination. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical application to ensure relevance to daily supervisory duties.
Accredited By CITB
Assessment Method
To successfully complete the SSSTS course, delegates must pass an examination consisting of:
- Multiple-choice questions testing knowledge across all course topics
- Four safety critical questions (all must be answered correctly)
- Short written answers demonstrating understanding
The examination lasts approximately 30 minutes with an examination pass mark of 80%. The paper consists of questions designed to test your comprehension of supervisory safety responsibilities and health and safety law.
Certification & Validity
Upon successful completion of the CITB SSSTS course:
- Delegates receive the official CITB SSSTS Certificate
- The qualification is valid for 5 years
- The certificate is recognised throughout the UK construction industry
- Certification demonstrates competence in site supervision safety
- A CITB Site Safety Plus card is issued as proof of qualification
This certification is increasingly required by employers and principal contractors as evidence of supervisory safety competence.
View Dates & Book Online
Benefits of Online Training
Our online SSSTS course delivery offers numerous advantages:
- Train from any suitable location with internet access
- Eliminate travel and accommodation expenses
- Interact with the instructor and colleagues in real-time
- Access course materials digitally for future reference
- Minimise time away from site supervision duties
- Maintain the same high standards as classroom training
- Immediate application of learning to your workplace
Why Choose Our Training Provider?
As specialist CITB approved training providers:
- Our pass rates consistently exceed the industry average
- All our instructors have practical construction supervision experience
- We offer post-course support to all delegates
- Our remote learning platform is user-friendly and reliable
- Training can be arranged in-house for companies with multiple supervisors
- Flexible dates available to suit your schedule
- Technical support available throughout your course
CITB Grant Information
The SSSTS course is CITB grant claimable for eligible employers. This financial support makes it easier for construction companies to invest in supervisor safety training. Our team can provide advice on the grant application process and eligibility criteria.
The Value of SSSTS Training
Completing the SSSTS course provides significant benefits for both individuals and organisations:
- Equips supervisors with essential knowledge to create a safe site
- Reduces the risk of accidents and incidents
- Demonstrates compliance with health and safety regulations
- Improves confidence in handling safety responsibilities
- Enhances career prospects in construction supervision
- Contributes to a positive safety culture
- Helps construction companies meet their legal obligations
Remote Learning Excellence
Our online SSSTS course delivers an engaging learning experience:
- Professional virtual classroom environment
- Interactive discussions facilitated by experienced instructors
- Media-rich presentations that illustrate key concepts
- Real-time question and answer opportunities
- Collaborative learning with peers from across the construction sector
- Technical support throughout the course
Book Your SSSTS Course Today
Invest in your professional development and enhance your supervisory capabilities by enrolling in our CITB SSSTS online course. This qualification is increasingly viewed as an essential requirement for supervisory positions across the UK construction industry.
For further information about upcoming course dates, pricing, and availability, please contact our friendly team. We’re committed to helping construction professionals develop the knowledge and skills needed for effective site safety supervision.
Remember, proper safety training for supervisors is not just a legal requirement—it’s an investment in your workforce, your projects, and your business reputation.
If you’d like to check your exam readiness you can try our SSSTS Mock Test.
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