A civil engineering technician provides technical support to civil engineers on a wide range of construction projects. They work on the construction of bridges, roads, railways, airports, dams, docks, tunnels, sewers and waterworks, hospitals, offices, factories, sports stadia, power stations and offshore structures.

The Work

You could be:

• helping to carry out site surveys
• sending rock and soil samples for lab analysis
• assisting with the design of the project, using computer-aided design (CAD)
• helping to work out what equipment and labour is required, as well as costs
• working out timescales for completion of the project, or parts of the project
• liaising with clients, contractors and suppliers
• monitoring project costs and progress
• preparing reports and project records
• making sure that plans and work completed meet codes of practice and industry standards.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Starting salaries for civil engineering technicians range from £22,000 to £28,000 a year. With experience, earnings can rise to £30,000 to £40,000 a year, and senior technicians may earn more.

Conditions

• You will work in an office and outdoors on site, which can be in all weathers.
• You have to wear protective clothing: hard hat, safety boots and overalls when visiting sites.
• You will travel to different sites.
• You may have to work overtime, including evenings and weekends when working to a deadline.
• You may sometimes need to work at height, for example on scaffolding or elevated platforms.

Useful Subjects

• Civil Engineering (SCQF Level 6)
• Construction (SCQF Levels 4 and 5)
• Design and Manufacture
• Engineering Science
• Graphic Communication
• Mathematics

Getting In

• You can study full time or part time for a qualification, such as an NC (SCQF Levels 4-6), HNC (SCQF Level 7) or HND (SCQF Level 8) in Civil Engineering, or an approved SVQ such as Construction Site Supervision (Construction): Building and Civil Engineering at SCQF Level 7.
• You can also train through a Modern Apprenticeship in Construction Technical (Building and Civil Engineering) at (SCQF Level 6) with an employer or training organisation. The apprenticeship includes a combination of on the job and off the job training.
• While at school, you may be able to take a Foundation Apprenticeship in a construction-related subject. This can help you progress to further study, a Modern Apprenticeship or employment.
• Entry requirements for apprenticeships and college courses vary from 2 or more subjects at National 5 to 1-3 Highers. You may need particular subjects, such as English, Maths and a science or technological subject.
• If you work on construction sites, you may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent.
• Knowledge of health and safety is important, and some employers may ask for a health and safety qualification.
• A full UK driving licence is useful.

Jobs can be found with engineering consultants, construction contractors, utility companies, local authorities and research organisations.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2026

1522

1 %

RISE

2031

1537

  United Kingdom

2026

14446

2.7 %

RISE

2031

14832

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What Does it Take?

You should have:

• good verbal and written communication skills
• good problem solving skills
• scientific and technical aptitude
• accuracy and attention to detail
• good organisational skills
• good computer skills especially for CAD work.

You need to be:

• able to plan your own work and organise the work of others
• aware of health and safety regulations
• able to meet deadlines
• able to work alone and also as part of a team.

Training

• If you enter through a Modern Apprenticeship, you would train on the job while in employment, and attend college on a day or block release basis.
• Once you have completed your qualifications and gained experience, you can work towards registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech) with the Engineering Council.
• First you must register as a Technician Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (TMICE).
• If you do not have the necessary formal qualifications, you may be eligible for membership if you have practical experience. Contact the ICE for details.

Getting On

• As an experienced civil engineering technician you can progress to supervisory posts, and into management.
• You might specialise in areas such as design, estimating or project planning.
• There are also opportunities abroad.
• As a technician at the level of EngTech you can also progress to become a civil engineer at the levels of Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).
• As a member of ICE you are required to undertake a programme of continuing professional development (CPD) each year.

More Information

Amey, the major UK infrastructure support service provider, maintains key public buildings and spaces such as airports, schools, parks and offices. Each year they recruit a number of civil engineering technicians into a Higher Apprenticeship programme, which takes four years to complete. For more information see Apprentices at Amey.

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is the Sector Skills Council which covers a wide range of sectors in the development and maintenance of the built environment.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.