Engineering construction technician

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You could do a foundation degree or higher national diploma in mechanical or electrical engineering before looking for a job as a technician.

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

The following courses may give you some of the skills and knowledge to apply for technician apprenticeships:

• Level 2 Certificate in Engineering
• Level 2 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
• Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Construction Maintenance
• T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction
• T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing

If you want to specialise in design work, you could take a course in computer aided design.

You can find out more about specialist courses that may be useful in the engineering construction industry from the ECITB.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

The following apprenticeships may be relevant to this role:

• Level 3 Engineering Technician
• Level 3 Fall Protection Technician
• Level 4 Construction Site Engineering Technician

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 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

Work

You could start as an engineering craftworker and become a technician through on-the-job training.

Required Skills:

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

Skills:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of building and construction
• the ability to work well with your hands
• maths knowledge
• the ability to use your initiative
• analytical thinking skills
• administration skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• design skills and knowledge
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• 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

What you'll do:

Engineering construction technicians support engineers to design, test, install, maintain, repair and decommission industrial facilities.

You could work in sectors like energy, food and drink manufacture, pharmaceuticals and chemicals.

You could:

• use CAD software to draw up plans and designs for projects
• cut, weld and assemble metal plate, pipework and beams for buildings
• install and service equipment, like conveyor lines in factories and industrial sites
• inspect and test systems and equipment to find faults
• keep work records up to date
• supervise a team of craftspeople

Location : You could work on a construction site, in a factory or in an office.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding and you may spend nights away from home.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : £19,000
Experienced : £36,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

40 - 42 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends away from home

Career Path:

With experience, you could move into site safety, management jobs or specialise in particular areas, like engineering design, testing or procurement.

You might also take further training to qualify as a civil or building services engineer.