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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)

£21,000 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 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:

  • 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:

  • 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

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

Civil Engineering Senior Technician Apprentice

  • Wage: £23,500 a year Annually
  • Location: West Street, Chichester, West Sussex

Civil Engineering Technician Apprentice

  • Wage: £22,737 a year Annually
  • Location: West Street, Chichester, West Sussex
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

HNC Civil Engineering

  • Provider: NEW COLLEGE DURHAM
  • Start date: 15 September 2025
  • Location: Durham

HNC Civil Engineering

  • Provider: MID-KENT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Maidstone
Find courses near you

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