Architectural technician
Architectural technicians work closely with architectural teams to create blueprints and technical plans on building projects.
- Starter salary£24,000 a year
- Experienced£42,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 40 a week
What you'll do
As an architectural technician, you would:
- organise technical data collected from the project team
- develop specifications for building work
- create construction plans using computer-aided design (CAD) software
- prepare feasibility studies, and applications for approval by regulatory bodies
- give technical advice to the project team
- visit sites to check on progress
Working environment
You could work on a construction site or in an office.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- design skills and knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of building and construction
- thinking and reasoning skills
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- maths skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a architectural technician
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You can take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:
- architectural design and technology
- construction and the built environment
- architectural technology
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 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
College
You could do a college course, which could teach you some of the skills you'll need in this job. You might then go on to study for a higher national certificate or diploma, or apply for an apprenticeship.
Courses include:
- 3D computer-aided design
- built environment design
- construction and the built environment
- T level in Design, Surveying, and Planning for Construction
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You could apply for a place on one of the following apprenticeships:
- Digital Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Construction Design and Build Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
These take around 3 years to complete and include a mix of training on the job and off-site 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
Work
Employers may take you on as a trainee if you have 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and 2 A levels, in subjects like maths, science, IT and technology. Equivalent qualifications may be accepted.
They would then support you through training to gain your technician qualifications.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a senior technician and lead a team, or continue your studies, while working, to qualify as an architectural technologist or become an architect .
Career tips
It can help if you've got experience in the construction industry and knowledge of computer-aided design.
Professional and industry bodies
When you've completed an approved course you can apply for associate membership of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists .
Guides for this industry
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