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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)

£18,000 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 a civil engineering technician

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:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Construction and the Built Environment
  • Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering
  • T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

It might be useful to have knowledge of computer aided design (CAD) software like AutoCAD, PDS or Civil 3D. However, you'll usually be able to learn how to use CAD software during your course. 

Entry requirements

You may need:

  • 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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do a Civil Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

This usually takes 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

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'll 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:

  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • 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

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 BIM Technician

  • Wage: £17,500.00 Annually
  • Location: Manchester

Civil Engineer Apprentice

  • Wage: £10,296.00 to £20,319.00 Annually
  • Location: THE CUS, GIBB STREET, BIRMINGHAM
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

HNC Civil Engineering

  • Provider: MID-KENT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 04 September 2023
  • Location: Maidstone

Civil Engineering BTEC Diploma

  • Provider: SOUTH & CITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM
  • Start date: 01 August 2023
  • Location: Birmingham
Find courses near you

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