Building Technician

What does a building technician do?

The main responsibility of a building technician is to assist in essential building tasks, such as estimating, contracts or site planning.

As a building technician, your duties could include: 

• Estimating project costs ahead of bidding for new contracts
• Negotiating with suppliers on the cost of materials, equipment and labour
• Checking the quality of suppliers
• Helping to plan each construction stage
• Drafting plans and blueprints using CAD (computer aided design) software
• Monitoring build progress
• Preparing sites before construction work begins 
• Supervising contractor teams
• Working on a construction site or in an office.

How to become a building technician

There are several routes to becoming a building technician. You could complete a university or college course, an apprenticeship or apply directly to an employer for work.

You should explore these routes to becoming a building technician, to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

University

You could complete a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in a relevant subject, such as construction and the built environment, surveying or civil engineering.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a university course
• Funding advice

College/training provider

You could complete a college course to help you become a trainee technician, such as a Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering, a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment or a T level in Design, Surveying and Planning.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Apprenticeship

You could complete an advanced apprenticeship to help you become a building technician, in construction, surveying or building services design.

You could also become an apprentice construction engineering technician. Alternatively, you could complete a design and build technician higher apprenticeship.

An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry. Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

Some building technicians will gain industry experience in other fields before training as a building technician.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a building technician. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills

Ideal skills for a building technician include: 

• Understanding of building and construction
• Thoroughness and attention to detail
• Thinking and reasoning skills
• Ability to think analytically 
• Maths knowledge 
• Computer skills and ability to use the main software packages.

How much could you earn as a building technician?

The expected salary for a building technician varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained building technicians can earn from £24,000
• Trained building technicians with experience can earn up to £42,000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed and industry recognised training route.