Engineering construction technician

You could do a foundation degree or higher national diploma in civil, mechanical or electrical engineering before looking for a job as a technician.

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

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge needed to move onto an apprenticeship, or into a trainee technician position.

Courses include:

• engineering
• welding
• engineering construction
• supporting engineering construction operations
• T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

If you want to specialise in design work, you could take a course in computer-aided design.

You can find out more about courses that may be useful in the engineering construction industry from the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) .

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

• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could apply to do an apprenticeship with an engineering or construction firm, including:

• Welder Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Engineering Construction Erector-Rigger Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Engineering Construction Pipefitter Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Building Services Engineering Craftsperson Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Civil Engineering Senior Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

You could start as an engineering craftworker, with a company, and become a technician through on-the-job training and promotion.

You could apply directly for technician jobs if you've got experience and qualifications from other areas of engineering, construction or the armed forces.

Registrations

you'll need an industry safety certificate like the Client Contractor National Safety Group (CCNSG) Safety Passport Scheme for many jobs

Further Information

You can find more details about a career as a technician from the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB).

As an engineering construction technician, you could:

• position, install and dismantle metal sections on structures
• cut, weld and assemble panels, pipework and beams in buildings
• use computer-aided design software to help create engineering plans
• install or remove pipework on commercial and industrial sites
• inspect and test systems and equipment to find faults
• keep accurate work records
• supervise a team of craftspeople

You could work on a construction site, in a factory or in an office.

Your working environment may be physically demanding, at height and you may spend nights away from home.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.