Skip to main content
National Careers Service

beta How could we improve this service? Your feedback will help.

  1. Home
  2. Explore careers
  3. Civil engineering technician

Civil engineering technician

Alternative titles for this job include Civil infrastructure technician, civil and structural technician

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

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends flexibly

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

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

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

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 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

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

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) for professional development opportunities.

Further information

You can find more advice about careers in civil engineering from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • maths knowledge
  • 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
  • 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

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

We've identified this as a potential green job

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

Working environment

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

Your working environment may be 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:

  • 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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Structural Engineer

  • Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
  • Location: Wigan

Civil Engineering Technician Apprentice

  • Wage: £17,000 a year Annually
  • Location: London
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

BTEC National Extended Diploma in Civil Engineering

  • Provider: FURNESS COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: BARROW-IN-FURNESS

BTEC National Diploma in Civil Engineering

  • Provider: UNITED COLLEGES GROUP
  • Start date: 15 September 2025
  • Location: London
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturdays and bank holidays

We're closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.