Civil Engineering Technician
The Work
Civil engineering technicians provide technical support to civil engineers
who design, build and manage construction projects. These projects
could be in several different sectors including: construction, marine,
transport, and power and water industries. A technician's work could
involve:
design - surveying the site, arranging for analysis of soil and rock samples, and producing design drawings, by hand or computer
estimating - preparing detailed estimates and producing information on the quantity and type of materials to be used
planning - helping to set deadlines for the delivery of materials, equipment and labour for completing each stage of the project
buying - costing and buying of materials, equipment and labour
site engineering - responsibility for checking the progress of particular technical aspects of the construction work.
Hours and Conditions
Most civil engineering technicians work in offices and on construction sites. Office work would generally be 9am-5pm. On-site there may be shiftwork, weekends and nights. Technicians may be on 24-hour call in case problems arise. On-site work could be in all weathers and also at heights. Safety wear would be provided.
Skills and Interests
To be a civil engineering 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. You will probably also study
for a BTEC national certificate or diploma, or an SQA national certificate
group award, or City & Guilds certificate, or vocational A level
/ GSVQ level III.
You should aim to get 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
There is a wide range of opportunities for technicians in civil engineering, examples include: consulting, public sector work, power and distribution, transport, mining and overseas projects.
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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Watch the Building Visions video interview with Chartered Civil Engineer Rishmila Mendis >
The Institution of Civil Engineers
Tel: 020 7222 7722
www.ice.org.uk
The Institution of Structural Engineers
Tel: 020 7235 4535
www.istructe.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
