Surveying technicians assist surveyors on-site by measuring and documenting data. They must be able to operate specialised surveying equipment and technologies and interpret and analyse data.
Responsibilities
Throughout your apprenticeship, you may help:
- estimate and draw up project costs
- measure and record data on land, buildings or construction projects
- create plans using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software
- assist with environmental impact assessments
- survey buildings or map land use
- value land, property and machinery
- organise the sale of assets by auction
- visit sites to report on the progress of projects.
Salary
- Starting salaries for an apprentice is £18,000 per year.
- Experienced surveying technicians can earn up to £28,000 per year.
Working hours
You will typically work 45 to 47 hours per week, occasionally working evenings and weekends depending on the project.
Working environment
You could work in an office, visit sites or on a construction site.
Your working environment may be at height and outdoors in all weathers.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Qualifications
Qualifications you can achieve as an apprentice surveying technician include:
- Level 3 Surveying 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 24 months to complete.
Skills
On a surveying technician apprenticeship, you’ll learn:
- maths knowledge
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of geography
- analytical thinking skills
- design skills and knowledge
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- knowledge of building and construction
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently.
Career path and progression
You could become self-employed and work as a freelance surveying technician.
With experience and further training you could become a professional surveyor. You can get support to do this from the Chartered Surveyor’s Training Trust.