Civil engineering technician
Civil engineering technicians give technical support to engineers on construction projects.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Depending on your specialist area you could:
- use computer aided design (CAD) software to create drawings and models
- arrange for soil and rock samples to be analysed
- interpret technical information, prepare reports and do calculations
- make sure work is carried out according to deadlines and budget
- visit sites, assist with surveys and report on progress
We've identified this as a potential green job
For a civil engineering technician to be a green job, you could:
- work on a renewable energy construction project, like a wind farm
- follow environmental policies
- use recycled and renewable materials
Find out more about green careers
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.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could:
- manage a team of technicians
- specialise in particular areas, like working on highways or in the rail or energy sector
- become a freelance civil engineering technician
With further training and degree qualifications you could qualify as a civil engineer. Your employer might sponsor you to study part time.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- maths knowledge
- 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
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
You could do a foundation degree or higher national diploma in civil engineering.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
More Information
You could do a college course that would teach you some of the skills needed to become a civil engineering technician.
Relevant courses include:
- civil engineering
- construction and the built environment
- T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction
It might be useful to have some knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) software like AutoCAD, PDS or Civil 3D. However, you'll usually learn how to use CAD software during your course.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
You could apply for an apprenticeship, such as:
- Civil Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Civil Engineering Senior Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
These usually take 3 years to complete as a mix of learning at work and study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
Registration
- you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) for professional development opportunities.
Further information
You can find more advice about careers in civil engineering from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.