Engineering construction technician apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university coursea college coursean apprenticeshipworking towards this role
University
You could do a foundation degree or higher national diploma in mechanical or electrical engineering before looking for a job as a trainee technician.
You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science and 1 or 2 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma.
College
You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills needed for the job and may help you to find a trainee position with a company. Relevant courses include:
- Level 2 Certificate in Engineering
- Level 2 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
- Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Construction Maintenance
- T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction, or in Building Services Engineering
If you want to specialise in design work, you could take a course in computer aided design. You may need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course or T Level.
Apprenticeship
The following Apprenticeships may be relevant to this role:
- Level 2 Engineering Operative
- Level 3 Engineering Technician
- Level 4 Construction Site Engineering Technician
You'll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for a Level 2 apprenticeship. You'll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship. You'll normally need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a Level 4 apprenticeship.
Work
You could start as an engineering craftworker and become a technician through on-the-job training.
You'll need an industry safety certificate like the Client Contractor National Safety Group (CCNSG) Safety Passport Scheme for many jobs.
Engineering construction technician apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of building and construction
- the ability to work well with your hands
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to use your initiative
- analytical thinking skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Engineering construction technician apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
You could:
- work in planning and design using CAD software to draw up plans and show the measurements and layout of projects
- work in fabrication and assembly to cut and weld pipework, put up the steel columns and beams of a building's framework
- work in fitting and maintenance to install and service equipment such as conveyor lines, in factories and industrial sites
- work in inspection and testing to check for faults in machinery and test newly installed systems
Working environment
You could work in an office or on a construction site.
Your working environment may be physically demanding and you may spend nights away from home.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Career path and progression - Engineering construction technician apprenticeships
With experience, you could progress to site management jobs or specialise in particular areas, like engineering design, testing or procurement.
You might also take further training to qualify as an engineer.