Apprenticeships in England
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Building technician
Also known as -
Assistant site manager, site technician
Building technicians assist with essential tasks around construction projects and building works. As a building technician, you could be overseeing a range of tasks, from monitoring build progress, to negotiating with suppliers, preparing site plans and estimating costs.
Average salary*
£20000
-£30000
Typical hours per week
45-47
How to become a building technician
There are several routes to becoming a building technician. You could complete a university or college course, an apprenticeship or apply directly to an employer for work.
You should explore these routes to becoming a building technician, to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.
You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.
University
You could complete a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in a relevant subject, such as construction and the built environment, surveying or civil engineering.
Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.
College/training provider
You could complete a college course to help you become a trainee technician, such as a Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering, a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment or a T level in Design, Surveying and Planning.
Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.
Apprenticeship
You could complete an advanced apprenticeship to help you become a building technician, in construction, surveying or building services design.
You could also become an apprentice construction engineering technician. Alternatively, you could complete a design and build technician higher apprenticeship.
An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry. Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.
Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.
Work
Some building technicians will gain industry experience in other fields before training as a building technician.
Work experience
Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a building technician. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.
Skills
Ideal skills for a building technician include:
- Understanding of building and construction
- Thoroughness and attention to detail
- Thinking and reasoning skills
- Ability to think analytically
- Maths knowledge
- Computer skills and ability to use the main software packages.
Qualifications
To become a building technician, you could complete a:
- Level 3 NVQ in Construction and the Built Environment
- Level 3 Apprenticeship in Built Environment and Design
- HNC/HND in Built Environment and Design
To become a building technician, you could complete a:
- Apprenticeship in Built Environment Design
- HNC/HND in Built Environment Design
To become a building technician, you could complete a:
- Level 3 Apprenticeship in Built Environment and Design
- HNC/HND in Built Environment and Design
What does a building technician do?
The main responsibility of a building technician is to assist in essential building tasks, such as estimating, contracts or site planning.
As a building technician, your duties could include:
- Estimating project costs ahead of bidding for new contracts
- Negotiating with suppliers on the cost of materials, equipment and labour
- Checking the quality of suppliers
- Helping to plan each construction stage
- Drafting plans and blueprints using CAD (computer aided design) software
- Monitoring build progress
- Preparing sites before construction work begins
- Supervising contractor teams
- Working on a construction site or in an office.
What's it like to be a building technician?
Luke Robinson
Currently working for Keepmoat Regeneration. We provide housing, extra care facilities and schools. We cater for both new-builds and refurbishments nationwide.
How much could you earn as a building technician?
The expected salary for a building technician varies as you become more experienced.
- Newly trained building technicians can earn £17,000 - £20,000
- Trained building technicians with some experience can earn £20,000 - £30,000
- Senior, chartered or master building technicians can earn £30,000 - £40,000.*
Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.
* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources
Find an apprenticeship/job
Apprenticeships
Advice and schemes
Jobs
Check out the latest building technician vacancies:
As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.
Career path and progression
As a building technician, there are many routes for career progression. As your knowledge improves, you could move into a position of an estimator or buyer.
As you gain more experience you could progress into a role as a senior manager or contracts manager, or take on the position of site engineer.