Civil engineering technicians aid engineers working on building projects with technical advice. They often specialise in one aspect of civil engineering, such as design, planning, or logistics, and may work on projects ranging from bridge building to road extension to infrastructure development.
Responsibilities
Throughout your apprenticeship, you may help:
- prepare, produce and modify engineering drawings and models using computer aided design (CAD) software
- collect and interpret technical information
- do engineering calculations
- assist with initial site surveys
- arrange lab analysis of soil, rock and material samples
- help project managers make sure deadlines are met and work is in budget
- draw up timescales for the delivery of supplies, equipment and labour
- visit construction sites and report on progress and issues
- help to prepare technical reports for engineers.
Salary
- Apprentice civil engineering 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.
Working hours
You will typically work 37 to 40 hours per week and sometimes working evening and weekends depending on the project.
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.
Qualifications
Qualifications you can achieve as an apprentice civil engineer technician include:
- Level 3 Civil Engineering Technician – Entry requirements for this level include 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship. This qualification takes 36 months to complete.
Skills
On a civil engineer technician apprenticeship, you’ll learn:
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- 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.
Career and progression
With experience, you may lead a team of technicians, work in human resources, or manage a project.
You might specialise in certain areas of the trade, such as highway, rail, or energy projects.
As a self-employed civil engineering technician, you might operate as a freelance civil engineering technician.
With further training and degree requirements, you might become a civil engineer. Some companies may pay for technicians to study part-time.