Building Technician

Building technicians (also known as construction estimators or site engineers) are involved in the construction of buildings and building works. They act as a link between management and the labour force on site.

They may be involved in:

• drawing up construction plans and blueprints for use by senior construction and surveying staff
• estimating - detailing the vast number of items needed to fulfil a contract
• purchasing - negotiating prices with suppliers and buying the materials needed at the best price and quality
• checking the quality of materials and equipment when they are delivered on site.

They may also attend regular progress meetings, measure and prepare a site for construction, supervise craftworkers and operatives on site and take overall responsibility for ensuring that projects remain on schedule.

Building technicians usually work up to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, although some evening and weekend work may be required to meet deadlines. They usually work in either an office or on site. Construction sites can be dirty, dusty and noisy. Technicians may have to climb ladders and scaffolding or go underground.

Salaries may range from around £14,500 to £30,000 a year.

A building technician should be:

• knowledgeable about building techniques and materials
• reliable, accurate and have a strong sense of responsibility
• an excellent communicator
• good at solving problems
• interested in architecture and building design.

Around 20,000 people work as building technicians across the UK. Building contractors, property developers and surveying and civil engineering practices tend to employ technicians. Opportunities also exist in central and local government.

It is possible to enter this career as a construction apprentice. The Construction Apprenticeship Scheme (CAS) may ask for four GCSEs in subjects such as maths, English and design and technology. An equivalent qualification such as a BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in construction or the Diploma in construction and the built environment may be relevant to this area of work. Students applying to study a construction-related degree may apply for a ConstructionSkills Inspire Scholarship, which includes a financial grant.

Apprentices usually work towards NVQ Level 2 in a specific trade or construction skill before continuing to train as a building technician. A number of NVQs in construction supervision and management are available, from Level 3 up to Level 5.

Technicians may take on increased responsibility and progress into construction management, or alternatively they may specialise in technical areas such as estimating or purchasing.

Further details