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Architectural technician

Alternative titles for this job include

Architectural technicians work closely with architectural teams to create blueprints and technical plans on building projects.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Architectural technician

You can get into this job through:

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

University

You can take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

  • architectural design and technology
  • construction and the built environment
  • architectural technology

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You could do a college course, which could teach you some of the skills you'll need in this job. You might then go on to study for a higher national certificate or diploma, or apply for an apprenticeship.

Courses include:

  • 3D computer-aided design
  • built environment design
  • construction and the built environment
  • T level in Design, Surveying, and Planning for Construction

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply for a place on one of the following apprenticeships:

  • Digital Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Construction Design and Build Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

These take around 3 years to complete and include a mix of training on the job and off-site study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

Work

Employers may take you on as a trainee if you have 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and 2 A levels, in subjects like maths, science, IT and technology. Equivalent qualifications may be accepted.

They would then support you through training to gain your technician qualifications.

More Information

Career tips

It can help if you've got experience in the construction industry and knowledge of computer-aided design.

Professional and industry bodies

When you've completed an approved course you can apply for associate membership of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • design skills and knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of building and construction
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • maths skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an architectural technician, you would:

  • organise technical data collected from the project team
  • develop specifications for building work
  • create construction plans using computer-aided design (CAD) software
  • prepare feasibility studies, and applications for approval by regulatory bodies
  • give technical advice to the project team
  • visit sites to check on progress

Working environment

You could work on a construction site or in an office.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a senior technician and lead a team, or continue your studies, while working, to qualify as an architectural technologist or become an architect.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Design Technician Apprentice

  • Wage: £12,979.20 a year Annually
  • Location: STANDARD WAY BUSINESS PARK, NORTHALLERTON

Courses In England

HNC Architectural Technology for England (2023)

  • Provider: HEART OF YORKSHIRE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Start date: 01 January 2025
  • Location: Castleford

Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Architectural Technology for England (HTQ)

  • Provider: CAMBRIDGE REGIONAL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 22 September 2025
  • Location: Cambridge

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