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Civil engineering technician

Civil engineering technicians give technical support to engineers on construction projects. They tend to specialise in one area of civil engineering, such as design, planning or logistics and may be involved in projects ranging from building bridges, to widening roads, or creating new infrastructure.

Average salary*

£17000

-

£37000

Typical hours per week

45-47

How to become a civil engineering technician

There are several routes to becoming a civil engineering technician. You could complete a university or college course, or an apprenticeship.

You should explore these routes to becoming a civil engineering technician, to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

University

To become a civil engineering technician, you could complete a foundation degree or higher national diploma (HND) in civil engineering.

College/training provider

You could complete a college course to develop the necessary skills to become a civil engineering technician, such as a Level 2 Certificate in Construction and the Built Environment, a Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering or a T level in Design, Surveying and Planning.

It would be useful to pick a course which offers modules in computer aided design (CAD), or AutoCAD, PDS or Civil 3D.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

Apprenticeship

You can complete a civil engineering technician advanced apprenticeship with a construction company.

Civil engineering technician advanced apprenticeships last for three years and will provide you with the necessary qualifications to work in this field.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

Work

Another possible route into a career as a civil engineering technician is through starting as a trainee technician after finishing school. Here you can learn the practical skills needed to become a civil engineering technician and work in a full-time position alongside completing the necessary qualifications. 

In order to secure a position as a trainee technician, most employers will require GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English, maths and science.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a civil engineering technician. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

Skills 

Additional skills and knowledge you’ll need to become a civil engineering technician include: 

  • Knowledge of building and construction
  • Strong maths, design and IT skills
  • Understanding of engineering science and technology
  • Attention to detail 
  • Ability to communicate clearly. 

Qualifications

To become a civil engineering technician, you could complete a:

  • Level 2 NVQ in Engineering Technology
  • Level 3 Civil Engineering Technician Apprenticeship

To become a civil engineering technician, you could complete a:

  • Modern Apprenticeship in Construction Technical at SCQF Level 6

To become a civil engineering technician, you could complete a:

  • Level 3 Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering for Technicians

You may need:

  • GCSE A*-C

What does a civil engineering technician do?

Depending on the type of project, the responsibilities of a civil engineering technician may vary. 

The duties of a civil engineering technician may include: 

  • Providing support to civil engineers in the design, construction and management of a variety of projects
  • Preparing detailed building plans
  • Surveying sites and arranging for soil and rock samples to be analysed
  • Ensuring a project matches client specifications
  • Calculating the amount and type of materials needed
  • Ensuring work is carried out according to deadlines
  • Reducing a project’s impact on the environment      
  • Working on-site and in an office.

How much could you earn as a civil engineering technician?

The expected salary for a civil engineering technician varies as you become more experienced.

  • Newly qualified technicians can earn £17,000 - £19,000
  • Qualified technicians with some experience can earn £25,000 - £35,000 
  • Senior technicians can earn in excess of £37,000.*

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Jobs

Check out the latest civil engineering technician vacancies:  

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

With experience and further training you could become a civil or structural engineer.

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