Engineering Construction Technician
The Work
Technicians in engineering construction, design, construct and maintain process plant and machinery for the oil, gas, water, environmental, food, power-generation, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Technicians work in one or more of the following areas:
engineering design - detailed design drawings are prepared for craftspeople to use during the construction phase. Designers usually specialise in one of the following:
Non-destructive testing - involves using a variety of inspection and testing techniques to examine materials and components for defects or flaws. Typical duties include:
Computer-aided design (CAD) - is the standard design tool in the industry. Creation of 3D images and virtual reality tours of plants prior to the construction stage.
Procurement - procurement specialists work with subcontractors to buy equipment and materials. Procurement specialists are particularly important before and during the construction phase. Their work is vital in ensuring that deadlines and standards are met.
Hours and Conditions
Technicians work a basic 38-hour week, but this is flexible depending on the type of work and deadlines. Overtime may be available.
Work can be office based or on-site in all weathers. Mobility may be required, and contracts may involve working away from home, either in the UK or abroad, for many months at a time.
Non-destructive testing technicians spend much of their day in a laboratory.
Skills and Interests
As an engineering construction technician, you should:
Training
The more theoretical aspects of your work may be covered by day or block release to study at a local college. With workplace assessments, this leads to at least NVQ / SVQ Level 3 in Engineering Construction, Maintenance of Plant and Equipment (Mechanical or Electrical) or Instrument and Control Systems.
For design technicians, there is an NVQ Designing and Draughting at Level 3.
You should work towards the qualification EngTech. To achieve this, you must register formally with The Engineering Council as an engineering technician, and you will need:
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
The UK engineering construction industry is the largest in the EU.
A range of UK companies employ engineering construction technicians. Companies that specialise in repair and maintenance also employ technicians. About half of the UK's engineering construction industry's work takes place overseas.
Technicians can progress to management positions or take professional qualifications within the main specialisms outlined in the Work section. Some technicians may be sponsored by their employer to take a degree which would lead to work at professional level.
Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.
New entrants start at around £14,000 a year.
Experienced technicians average about £25,000+ a year.
Senior technicians may earn over £30,000+ a year.
Further Information
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Engineering Construction Industry Training Board
Tel: 01923 260000
www.ecitb.org.uk
SEMTA (Science Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Alliance)
Tel: 0808 100 3682
www.semta.org.uk
The Engineering Council
Tel: 020 7240 7891
www.engc.org.uk
CITB - Construction Skills
Tel: 01485 577577
www.citb.org.uk
