Building Technician
The Work
Building technicians, who are sometimes known as construction estimators or site engineers, carry out work at a level between craft and management. They may work on a building site or in an office drawing up plans and schedules. Specialist roles can include:
Technicians may be involved in ensuring plans comply with legal requirements by liaising with local authorities and utility companies.
Hours and Conditions
Technicians normally work a 38-hour week, Monday to Friday. Evening and weekend work may be required to meet deadlines.
Work could be office-based or on-site. Some travel may be required. Estimators, buyers and planners are normally office-based.
Skills and Interests
As a building technician, you should:
Training
The CIOB in conjunction with the National House Building Council offer a Technical Staff Development and Qualification Programme. The programme has a variety of units covering the estimating, planning, buying and surveying roles, and candidates take options according to their specialism. Completion leads to NVQ in Construction Contracting at levels 3 or 4, depending on responsibility. Options include:
For details, contact CIOB below.
The Association of Building Engineers (ABE) also offer information on a range of NVQ qualifications similar to those listed above. Contact ABE for details.
Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (MAPPs) may be available for people aged 16-24. For details see:
MAPPs
(England)
Skillseekers
(Scotland)
National
Traineeships MAPPs (Wales) and
MAPPs
(Northern Ireland)
Opportunities
There are opportunities with national and international building firms and contractors, in central and local government, and with organisations that carry out their own construction projects such as electricity, gas, and water companies, major retailers and health authorities. There may also be opportunities to work abroad with some firms.
There are opportunities for promotion, for example to departmental manager in a large company. You may also be able to progress to a professional-level job - usually in construction management - by gaining further qualifications and relevant experience.
Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.
A trainee technician can earn between £12,000 and £15,000 a year, depending on prior qualifications.
Qualified technicians earn around £20,000 a year.
Senior technicians can up to £30,000 a year.
Further Information
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Association of Building Engineers
Tel: 0845 126 1058
www.abe.org.uk
Chartered Institute of Building
Tel: 01344 630700
www.ciob.org.uk
CITB - Construction Skills
Tel: 01485 577577
www.citb.org.uk
