Engineering construction technician

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

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

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
• T level in Design, Surveying and Planning

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
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to T levels
• funding advice
• search for courses

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

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

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

Registration

• you'll need an industry safety certificate like the Client Contractor National Safety Group (CCNSG) Safety Passport Scheme for many jobs

Further information

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

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

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

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.