Geotechnician apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university coursea college coursean apprenticeshipworking towards this role
University
You'll normally need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree to get into this career. Relevant subjects include:
- geoscience
- geology
- environmental science
- Earth sciences
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include:
- Level 3 Certificate in Laboratory Technical Skills
- Level 3 or 4 Diploma in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities
You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science.
Apprenticeship
You may be able to get into this role through a Level 3 laboratory technici
an apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship takes 24 months to complete.
To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths.Work
You may be able to start as a junior technician with an organisation and work your way up.
To do this, you'll need a minimum of 5 GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), and 2 A-Levels, including maths and sciences. Equivalent qualifications may be accepted like the Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science.
Volunteering
Work experience in the field or a laboratory may give you an advantage when applying for courses and jobs. For example, you could join your local geological group or contact companies to find out about work placement opportunities.
Geotechnician apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- analytical thinking skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- knowledge of geography
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and Requirements
Being able to drive may be an advantage in roles where you need to visit sites.
Having a Construction Skills Certification scheme (CSCS) card, though not essential, is useful if you are working for geotechnical companies that specialise in work for construction projects.
Geotechnician apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
You could:
- prepare rock, soil and water samples for testing
- analyse the chemical and physical properties of samples
- obtain and process geophysical data
- log well and borehole drilling activity
- interpret data from seismic surveys
- prepare geological maps
- support teaching staff in university
- train and supervise staff
- produce reports for engineers and scientists
Working environment
You could work in a laboratory or visit sites.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and dirty.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression - Geotechnician apprenticeships
With experience, you could train as a geoscientist.
You could also move into management, environmental engineering work, or become a laboratory technician or science teacher in a school, college or university.