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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)

£26,000 Starter

to

£42,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 42

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 study for a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree 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
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You could do a college course that would teach you some of the skills needed to become a trainee civil engineering technician.

Relevant courses include:

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

It may be helpful to have some knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) software, like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, PDS or Site3D. 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 around 3 years to complete and combine training on the job 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

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

As a civil engineering technician, you could:

  • give technical support to engineers on projects
  • create engineering drawings and models using computer-aided design (CAD) software
  • arrange for site soil and rock samples to be analysed
  • gather data and make calculations
  • monitor projects to make sure plans, deadlines and budgets are met
  • visit sites to assist with surveys and inspections
  • keep accurate records of work 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, railways or energy infrastructure
  • become a freelance civil engineering technician
  • work towards EngTech MICE status as part of your professional development

With further training and degree qualifications you could qualify as a civil engineer.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Civil Engineering Level 3 Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £18,278 a year Annually
  • Location: Scorrier, Redruth, Cornwall

Civil/Structural Engineering Apprentice

  • Wage: £15,600 to £24,784.50 a year Annually
  • Location: Sherwood Avenue, Newark
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Civil Engineering Higher National Certificate

  • Provider: UNIVERSITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM
  • Start date: 14 September 2026
  • Location: Birmingham

HNC Civil Engineering

  • Provider: MID-KENT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 07 September 2026
  • Location: Maidstone
Find courses near you

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