Document Controller

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.

You’ll need:

• 1 - 2 A levels, or equivalent (HND)
• 2 - 3 A levels, or equivalent (undergraduate degree).

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

• Find a university course
• Funding advice

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.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

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.

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
  

What does a document controller do?

As a document controller you could be:

• 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.

Check out the latest vacancies: 

• Reed
• Indeed

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to a senior role, such as a document manager, and earn a higher salary.