Civil engineering technician
Level 3 · AdvancedConstruction and the built environment 3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
The Civil Engineering Technician apprenticeship provides the practical and technical skills to assist in the design, survey and construction of civil engineering infrastructure. Apprentices support engineers with drawing production, site investigation and supervision of civil works. It is an excellent entry route to a civil engineering career and can lead to degree-level study.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Fundamentals of civil engineering including structures and drainage
Site surveying and measurement techniques
Reading and producing civil engineering drawings
Materials testing and quality assurance on site
Health and safety on civil engineering projects
Use of computer-aided design and engineering software
Environmental awareness in construction and civil engineering
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Assist with topographic and site investigation surveys
Produce engineering drawings and update as-built records
Support site engineers during civil construction activities
Carry out materials testing including soil and concrete samples
Maintain site records, diaries and progress reports
Undertake CAD modelling and drawing revisions
Liaise with contractors on technical queries during construction
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
No employer videos yet for this apprenticeship. Employers offering it can add one to show young people what the role is really like.