Civil engineering technician

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship

University

You could do a foundation degree or higher national diploma in civil engineering.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

College

You could do a college course that would teach you some of the skills needed to become a civil engineering technician.

Relevant courses include:

• civil engineering
• construction and the built environment
• T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

It might be useful to have some knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) software like AutoCAD, PDS or Civil 3D. However, you'll usually learn how to use CAD software during your course.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You could apply for an apprenticeship, such as:

• Civil Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Civil Engineering Senior Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

These usually take 3 years to complete as a mix of learning at work and study.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• maths knowledge
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• design skills and knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of building and construction
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be flexible and open to change
• analytical thinking skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• administration skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• excellent written communication skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Civil engineering technicians give technical support to engineers on construction projects.

Depending on your specialist area you could:

• use computer aided design (CAD) software to create drawings and models
• arrange for soil and rock samples to be analysed
• interpret technical information, prepare reports and do calculations
• make sure work is carried out according to deadlines and budget
• visit sites, assist with surveys and report on progress

Possible green job

This job could help the environment.

For a civil engineering technician to be a green job, you could:

• work on a renewable energy construction project, like a wind farm
• follow environmental policies
• use recycled and renewable materials

Find out more about green careers

Location : You could work in an office or on a construction site.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £21,000
Experienced : £40,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends flexibly

Career Path:

With experience, you could:

• manage a team of technicians
• specialise in particular areas, like working on highways or in the rail or energy sector
• become a freelance civil engineering technician

With further training and degree qualifications you could qualify as a civil engineer . Your employer might sponsor you to study part time.