Document Controller

Document controllers maintain project documents. They ensure that accurate information is distributed throughout an organisation, on time, to the people who need it. In the construction industry, document controllers work with technical documents like blueprints and reports. They sort and store electronic and hard copy documents for designers, surveyors, architects and other colleagues.

Very organised
Secondary qualifications
Supervisory-Managerial
Office

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What does a document controller do?

As a document controller you will be responsible for maintaining the accurate records of company documentation. You could be sorting electronic or hard copies of project documentation and producing reports based on this.

The job role of a document controller involves the following duties:

Controlling company and project documentation
Following and improving document control procedures
Ensuring all documentation meets formal requirements and required standards
Sorting, storing and retrieving electronic and hard copy documents on behalf of clients and industry professionals
Producing document progress reports for senior managers
Conducting regular reviews and document audits
Using computers to organise and distribute documents within a company
Helping in the planning stages of a specific project
Ensure documents are shared at key times to facilitate timely project completion
Working in an office.

How to become a document controller

There are several routes to becoming a document controller. You can gain the qualifications to help you on your career path to being a document controller by completing a university or college course, or an apprenticeship.

You should explore these options 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 able to follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

University

Some employers prefer applicants to hold higher qualifications. You could do an undergraduate degree or Higher National Diploma (HND). Relevant subjects include IT and business administration.

Afterwards, you may be able to join a company’s graduate trainee scheme.

College/training provider

Your local college or training provider may offer courses which will help you become a document controller. You could study for IT or administration qualifications or you could do a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in a relevant subject, such as information management.

You’ll generally need at least 3 GCSEs including English, and you may be required to sit an entry assessment for the college/training provider.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry. Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will 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.

There is no direct apprenticeship to become a document controller. You could become an apprentice in an administrative, IT or a similar field and work your way towards this role.

Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have experience as an administrator or an IT technician you may be able to apply to companies directly for work. Employers may be able to provide you with further training to become a document controller.

Work experience

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

Administration skills
Be thorough and pay attention to detail
Able to work well with others
Customer service skills
Able to use your initiative
Knowledge of the English language
Able to accept criticism and work well under pressure
Flexible and open to change
Able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Qualifications

England

To become a document controller, you'll need GCSE 9-5 including Maths and English, some may require A Levels and previous experience.

Scotland

To become a document controller, you'll need Scottish National 5 A-C including Maths and English, A Levels and previous experience.

Wales

To become a document controller, you'll need GCSE A*-C including Maths and English, some may require A Levels and previous experience.

How much could you earn as a document controller?

The expected salary for a document controller varies as you become more experienced

Trainee and newly-trained document controllers can earn £23,000
Trained document controllers with experience can earn up to £47,000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed and industry recognised training route.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources