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Building technician

Alternative titles for this job include Site technician

Building technicians support engineers, surveyors and architects on construction projects.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You could study for a foundation degree or higher national diploma in:

  • construction
  • the built environment
  • surveying
  • civil engineering

Courses that give you the opportunity to gain work experience through internships or industry placements may give you an advantage when looking for jobs.

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 can do a college course, which may help you to get a job as a trainee technician.

Courses include:

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

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply for a place on an apprenticeship wth a construction company. These include:

  • Construction Support Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Surveying Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Building Services Engineering Senior Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Construction Design and Build Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Civil Engineering Senior Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

These can take between 2 and 3 years to complete and combine on-the-job training with 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

More Information

Registration

Further information

You can get more advice on how to become a building technician from Go Construct.

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of building and construction
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • analytical thinking skills
  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • the ability to analyse quality or performance
  • 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 a building technician, you could:

  • estimate construction costs to support bids for new work
  • negotiate materials, equipment and labour costs with suppliers
  • check quality standards of materials
  • help to plan the methods used in each construction stage
  • draft construction plans and blueprints using CAD software
  • monitor build progress against completion dates
  • give update reports at progress meetings
  • prepare construction sites before work begins
  • supervise teams of contractors

Working environment

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

Your working environment may be at height and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into construction project management, or specialise in estimating, computer-aided design or buying.

You could find work with:

  • national and international building firms and contractors
  • central and local government
  • organisations that do their own construction work, like utility companies, major retailers and the NHS

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Civil Engineering Higher Apprenticeship - Gloucester (Communities)

  • Wage: Competitive Annually
  • Location: Cambridge

TECHNICAL Apprentice – Higher Level (Building Services)

  • Wage: £16,000 a year Annually
  • Location: Stonebridge Road, Coleshill, Birmingham
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

T Level Construction - Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

  • Provider: CITY COLLEGE PLYMOUTH
  • Start date: 08 September 2026
  • Location: PLYMOUTH

T Level Construction - Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

  • Provider: The Manchester College
  • Start date: 07 September 2026
  • Location: Manchester
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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