The Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme, known as SSSTS, remains one of the most important health and safety qualifications for construction supervisors in 2026. As site standards continue to rise and compliance expectations tighten, supervisors are expected to play a far more active role in managing risk, enforcing safe systems of work, and promoting a positive safety culture.
If you are stepping into a supervisory role or looking to formalise your experience with a recognised qualification, this complete guide explains everything you need to know about SSSTS training in 2026.
What Is SSSTS?
SSSTS is a CITB approved training course designed specifically for construction site supervisors. It provides essential knowledge of health and safety law, risk control, and supervisory responsibilities.
The course ensures supervisors understand not only what the law requires, but how to apply it practically on site. In 2026, many principal contractors and larger firms require SSSTS certification as a minimum standard for supervisory roles.
On successful completion, delegates receive a CITB SSSTS certificate valid for five years.
Who Should Take SSSTS?
SSSTS is aimed at individuals who have, or are about to take on, supervisory responsibilities on construction sites.
This typically includes:
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Site Supervisors
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Team Leaders
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Forepersons
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Gangers
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Working Supervisors
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Trade Supervisors
If your role involves overseeing a team, ensuring safe working practices, briefing workers, or monitoring compliance, SSSTS is designed for you.
For those with overall site management responsibility, the SMSTS qualification would be more appropriate. SSSTS is specifically tailored to supervisory level duties rather than full site management.
Why SSSTS Is Important in 2026
The construction industry continues to face scrutiny regarding safety standards, accountability, and compliance. Supervisors are often the link between site management and the workforce, which places them in a critical position.
In 2026, supervisors are expected to:
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Actively monitor safe working practices
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Challenge unsafe behaviour
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Contribute to risk assessments
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Deliver effective toolbox talks
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Lead by example
SSSTS equips supervisors with the confidence and knowledge to carry out these responsibilities effectively. It also demonstrates competence to employers and contractors.
What Does the SSSTS Course Cover?
The SSSTS course is delivered over two days and combines theory with practical discussion and case studies. Core topics include:
Health and Safety Law
Delegates learn about key legislation including the Health and Safety at Work Act and Construction Design and Management Regulations. The focus is on understanding legal duties and how they apply at supervisory level.
Supervisory Responsibilities
The course clarifies the responsibilities supervisors have in enforcing company policies, monitoring compliance, and maintaining safe systems of work.
Risk Assessments and Method Statements
Supervisors are trained to understand risk assessments and method statements, ensuring they can communicate controls clearly to their teams.
Identifying and Controlling Hazards
High risk activities such as working at height, excavations, and lifting operations are discussed in detail. Delegates learn how to spot hazards early and implement appropriate controls.
Occupational Health
Long term health risks including dust exposure, noise, vibration, and manual handling are covered to ensure supervisors understand their duty of care.
Behavioural Safety and Communication
A strong emphasis is placed on communication skills, leadership, and influencing safe behaviour. Supervisors learn how to conduct effective briefings and intervene when standards slip.
How Is SSSTS Delivered?
In 2026, SSSTS training is available in both classroom and live online formats.
Classroom courses allow face to face discussion and interaction with other supervisors. Online courses provide flexibility, enabling delegates to attend from any location while still participating in live tutor led sessions.
Both formats must be delivered by a CITB approved provider to ensure certification is valid and recognised nationwide.
At Portland Training, SSSTS courses are delivered by experienced tutors with real construction background, ensuring training is practical, relevant, and engaging.
Assessment and Certification
The SSSTS course concludes with a multiple choice assessment and participation in case studies throughout the two days.
Upon successful completion, delegates receive a CITB SSSTS certificate which remains valid for five years.
To maintain certification, supervisors must complete a one day SSSTS refresher course before the expiry date. If the certificate expires, the full two day course must be retaken.
What Does SSSTS Cost?
The average SSSTS cost in 2026 typically ranges between £250 and £350 depending on location and delivery format.
Employers registered with CITB may be eligible to claim short course grants following successful completion, helping to offset the cost of training.
Portland Training offers competitive SSSTS pricing and will beat any genuine quote while maintaining full CITB approval and high delivery standards.
Career Benefits of SSSTS
Completing SSSTS can:
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Improve career progression opportunities
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Increase employability with larger contractors
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Strengthen supervisory confidence
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Reduce the risk of accidents and enforcement action
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Demonstrate commitment to professional standards
For many supervisors, SSSTS is a stepping stone toward further qualifications such as SMSTS.
Why Book Your SSSTS Course with Portland Training?
Choosing the right training provider is just as important as choosing the right qualification.
Portland Training offers:
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CITB approved SSSTS courses
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Experienced construction industry tutors
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Flexible online and classroom delivery
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Competitive pricing with a price beat guarantee
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Clear guidance from booking to certification
Whether you are an individual supervisor or an employer training multiple team leaders, Portland Training ensures your SSSTS training is delivered professionally, efficiently, and at excellent value.
Final Thoughts
SSSTS training remains a vital qualification for construction supervisors in 2026. With increasing responsibility placed on supervisory roles, formal training is no longer optional for many positions.
By completing SSSTS with a trusted provider like Portland Training, supervisors gain the knowledge, confidence, and recognised certification needed to operate safely and effectively on modern construction sites.
If you are ready to book your SSSTS course, contact Portland Training today to secure your place and benefit from competitive pricing backed by a commitment to beat any genuine quote.
