Civil engineering technician
Civil engineering technicians give technical support to engineers on construction projects.
Also known as: Civil infrastructure technician, civil and structural technician
- Starter salary£26,000 a year
- Experienced£42,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 42 a week
- Green jobPotential
What you'll do
As a civil engineering technician, you could:
- give technical support to engineers on projects
- create engineering drawings and models using computer-aided design (CAD) software
- arrange for site soil and rock samples to be analysed
- gather data and make calculations
- monitor projects to make sure plans, deadlines and budgets are met
- visit sites to assist with surveys and inspections
- keep accurate records of work and report on progress
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.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- maths knowledge
- 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
How to become a civil engineering technician
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
University
You could study for a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree 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
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
You could do a college course that would teach you some of the skills needed to become a trainee civil engineering technician.
Relevant courses include:
- civil engineering
- construction and the built environment
- T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction
It may be helpful to have some knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) software, like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, PDS or Site3D. 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
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 around 3 years to complete and combine training on the job with 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
Career path and progression
With experience, you could:
- manage a team of technicians
- specialise in particular areas, like working on highways, railways or energy infrastructure
- become a freelance civil engineering technician
- work towards EngTech MICE status as part of your professional development
With further training and degree qualifications you could qualify as a civil engineer .
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) for professional development opportunities.
Registration
- you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site
Guides for this industry
Related roles
- Job roleCivil engineer
- Job roleGeoscientist
- Job roleEngineering construction technician
- Job roleCAD technician
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