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Engineering construction technician

Engineering construction technicians install, service and repair machines and equipment in buildings, factories and industrial plants.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£32,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 42 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends away from home

How to become an engineering construction technician

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You could do a foundation degree or higher national diploma in mechanical or electrical engineering before looking for a job as a trainee technician.

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 take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills needed for the job and may help you to find a trainee position with a company. Relevant courses include:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Engineering
  • Level 2 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
  • Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Construction Maintenance

If you want to specialise in design work, you could take a course in computer aided design.

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

More information

Apprenticeship

You could complete an engineering technician advanced apprenticeship or a construction site engineering technician higher apprenticeship.

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

Work

You could start as an engineering craftworker and become a technician through on-the-job training.

More information

Registration

Further information

You can find more details about technician careers from the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of building and construction
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

  • planning and design – using CAD software to draw up plans, showing the measurements and layout of projects
  • fabrication and assembly – cutting and welding pipework, and putting up the steel columns and beams of a building's framework
  • fitting and maintenance – installing and servicing equipment in factories and industrial sites, like conveyor lines
  • inspection and testing – checking for faults in machinery, and testing newly installed systems

Working environment

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

Your working environment may be physically demanding and you may spend nights away from home.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to site management jobs or specialise in particular areas, like engineering design, testing or procurement. 

With a degree you could qualify as an engineer.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Engineering Apprentice

  • Wage : Competitive salary
  • Location: Cheltenham GL52 5EP

Advanced Apprentice in Mechanical & Production Engineering

  • Wage : £162.00 Weekly
  • Location: Derby DE74 2FL
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Civil & Infrastructure Engineering BEng(Hons)

  • Provider: Kingston University
  • Start date: 14 September 2020
  • Location: Kingston-Upon-Thames

Civil Engineer BEng (Hons) Degree Apprenticeship - University of Greenwich

  • Provider: UNIVERSITY OF GREENWICH
  • Start date: 01 September 2020
  • Location: Chatham Maritime
Find courses near you

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