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Architectural technician

Alternative titles for this job include

Architectural technicians work closely with architectural teams on the design process of building projects.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become an architectural technician

You can get into this job through:

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

University

You can qualify as an architectural technician by taking a foundation degree or higher national diploma approved by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists. Subjects include:

  • architectural technology
  • built environment

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

College

You could do a college course, which could teach you some of the skills you'll need in this job. Examples include:

  • Level 3 Certificate in 3D Design
  • Level 3 Diploma in Built Environment Design

Entry requirements

You may need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

The following apprenticeships may be relevant to this role:

  • Level 3 Digital engineering technician
  • Level 4 Construction design and build technician

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.

They may accept equivalent qualifications in engineering or construction, for example the Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Constructing the Built Environment.

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. This allows you to complete the professional qualification stage of your training.

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

You could:

  • prepare technical information to plan projects
  • collect and read technical data
  • prepare plans using computer aided design (CAD) software
  • prepare applications for approval by regulatory bodies
  • develop specifications for building work
  • 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 work towards Associate or Affiliate membership of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.

With further training, you could work towards becoming an architectural technologist.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Design, Construction and Management HNC/D Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £22,991.00 Annually
  • Location: London

BIM (Building Information Modelling) Apprentice

  • Wage: £11,180.00 Annually
  • Location: Leeds

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming an architectural technician?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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