Course overview
Course overview
Southampton sits at the centre of one of the busiest construction corridors on the South Coast, with steady activity across the waterfront, residential regeneration and commercial fit-out work throughout Hampshire. Sites like these depend on capable first-line supervision to keep work moving safely, and that is exactly what the CITB Site Supervisors’ Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) sets out to develop. Our two-day SSSTS is delivered as a live, tutor-led online class, so supervisors based in Southampton and the surrounding Hampshire towns can gain a nationally recognised safety qualification without giving up two days to travel and overnight stays.
Who the SSSTS course is for
The SSSTS is aimed at the people who run the work at ground level rather than those who plan and control an entire project. If you direct a gang, lead a team, act as a foreman or hold first-line management responsibility for a section of a site, this is the qualification employers will expect you to hold. It suits experienced tradespeople who have recently been promoted into a supervisory role, as well as established supervisors who need a current certificate to satisfy a principal contractor or a client’s pre-qualification requirements.
Typical delegates joining our Southampton online course include:
- Site supervisors and assistant supervisors overseeing a specific work area
- Gangers, chargehands and foremen coordinating a trade team
- Experienced operatives stepping up into their first supervisory position
- Team leaders and first-line managers accountable for day-to-day safety
SSSTS or SMSTS – which one do you need?
These two CITB Site Safety Plus courses are often confused, so it is worth being clear before you book. The SSSTS is a two-day course for supervisors who are responsible for a section of the work and the team carrying it out. The SMSTS is a longer five-day course written for site managers and agents who plan, organise and control a whole site. If you supervise people and report to a manager, the SSSTS is the right starting point. If you are running the project rather than a part of it, the SMSTS is likely to be the better fit.
What the course covers
Over the two days, an experienced tutor works through the health and safety knowledge a supervisor needs to lead a section of site legally and confidently. The syllabus connects the relevant legislation to the practical decisions you make on site every day, using discussion and worked examples rather than dry theory. Core topics include:
- The supervisor’s legal duties and where they sit within the Health and Safety at Work Act
- An introduction to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations and how they apply to supervision
- Understanding, monitoring and contributing to risk assessments and method statements
- Building and reinforcing a positive safety culture within your team
- Controlling common high-risk activities such as work at height, excavations and manual handling
- Occupational health, welfare and the supervisor’s role in protecting workers
- Effective communication, toolbox talks and monitoring on-site behaviour
How the live online course is delivered
Rather than sitting in a classroom, you join the course through a secure video link from home, the site cabin or the office. Both days run from 08:30 to 16:00, finishing by 4pm, and are led in real time by a CITB-approved tutor. It is a fully interactive session, not a pre-recorded video, so you can ask questions, take part in group exercises and discuss your own site situations exactly as you would in a physical room. All you need is a laptop or computer with a camera, a reliable internet connection and a quiet space to work.
If you would prefer to learn face to face, a classroom option is also available. The qualification you earn is identical whichever format you choose, so many Southampton supervisors opt for the online class simply because it removes the travel and keeps them close to site.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for the SSSTS and you do not need a previous safety qualification to book. Because all of the training materials and the final exam are delivered in English, you will need a good standard of spoken and written English to take part fully and complete the assessment. Some prior construction experience is helpful for putting the content into context, but it is not essential, which is why the course works well for people moving into supervision for the first time.
Assessment and certification
The SSSTS is assessed through your participation across the two days and a final examination on the second day. Attending both days in full is a requirement for achieving the qualification, so it is important to be available for the whole course. On passing, you receive the CITB Site Safety Plus SSSTS certificate, which is recognised across the UK construction industry.
The certificate is valid for five years. To keep it current, you complete a one-day SSSTS Refresher course before it expires rather than sitting the full two-day course again, which keeps your knowledge up to date at a lower cost in both time and money.
Recognised across Southampton and beyond
The SSSTS is endorsed by CITB and recognised by the UK Contractors Group, which means the certificate carries the same weight whether you attend online or in a classroom. Principal contractors, clients and main contractors working across Southampton, Hampshire, the wider South Coast and the rest of the UK accept it as evidence that a supervisor has the health and safety competence expected of the role. For many local supervisors, holding a current SSSTS is a practical requirement for getting onto site.
Course fees
The live online video-link class is priced at £199, and the in-person classroom option is £279. Both prices include the two days of tutor-led training, your course materials and the final examination, so there are no hidden extras to budget for. The qualification and certificate are exactly the same regardless of which format you book.
Book your SSSTS course in Southampton
If you are supervising a team on a site anywhere in Southampton or Hampshire, the live online SSSTS is a straightforward way to gain the recognised safety qualification employers ask for, without losing time to travel. Reserve your place on an upcoming two-day online class, or get in touch with our team if you would like to discuss classroom dates, group bookings or how the course fits your role.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to travel to a venue in Southampton to attend?
No. We deliver the SSSTS as a live online video-link class, so supervisors across Southampton and Hampshire can qualify from home or the site office without travelling to a venue. A classroom option is available as well if you would prefer to attend in person.
How long is the SSSTS course and what time does it finish each day?
The SSSTS is a two-day course. Each day runs from 08:30 to 16:00, so both days finish by 4pm. Attending both days in full is a requirement for achieving the qualification.
What is the difference between the SSSTS and the SMSTS?
The SSSTS is a two-day course for supervisors, team leaders and first-line managers who oversee a section of the work. The SMSTS is a five-day course for site managers and agents who plan and control an entire site. If you supervise a team rather than run the whole project, the SSSTS is the right course for you.
Is the online SSSTS recognised by contractors in Southampton and across Hampshire?
Yes. The qualification is exactly the same however you attend. The SSSTS is endorsed by CITB and recognised by the UK Contractors Group, so the certificate is accepted by principal contractors and clients across Southampton, Hampshire, the South Coast and the wider construction industry.
How much does the SSSTS course cost?
The live online video-link class is £199 and the classroom option is £279. The price includes the two days of tutor-led training, your course materials and the final examination.
How long is the SSSTS certificate valid and how do I renew it?
The CITB SSSTS certificate is valid for five years. To keep it current you complete a one-day SSSTS Refresher course before your certificate expires, rather than repeating the full two-day course.
Do I need any experience or qualifications before booking?
There are no formal entry requirements and no prior safety qualification is needed. You do need a good standard of spoken and written English, as the materials and exam are in English. Some construction experience is useful but not essential, which is why many Southampton delegates take the SSSTS just as they move into a supervisory role.
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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