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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 can 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 can take a college course that would teach you some of the skills needed to become an 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

Some knowledge of computer aided design (CAD) software would be useful, for example AutoCAD, PDS or Civil 3D, although courses will usually include options in CAD.

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 advanced apprenticeship.

This typically takes 36 month to complete as a mix of workplace learning and off-the-job 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

Professional and industry bodies

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

Further information

You'll find more advice about careers in civil engineering from the Institution of Civil Engineers.

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:

  • prepare, produce and modify engineering drawings and models using computer aided design (CAD) software
  • collect and interpret technical information
  • do engineering calculations
  • assist with initial site surveys
  • arrange lab analysis of soil, rock and material samples
  • help project managers make sure deadlines are met and work is in budget
  • draw up timescales for the delivery of supplies, equipment and labour
  • visit construction sites and report on progress and issues
  • help to prepare technical reports for engineers

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 lead a team of technicians or go into other people or project management roles.

You could specialise in particular areas of the job, like working on highways, rail or energy sector projects.

You could become a freelance civil engineering technician and work for companies as a self-employed contractor.

With further training and degree qualifications you could qualify as a civil engineer. Some employers will sponsor technicians to study part-time.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship - Civil Engineering: Sheffield

  • Wage: £21,260.00 Annually
  • Location: Norfolk Street, Sheffield

Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship - Civil Engineering: Bristol

  • Wage: £21,260.00 Annually
  • Location: Not known
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

HNC Civil Engineering

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

Civil Engineering - BTEC Level 3 Diploma

  • Provider: THE CITY OF LIVERPOOL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 18 September 2023
  • Location: LIVERPOOL
Find courses near you

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