How to become a traffic technical officer
There are several routes to becoming a traffic technical officer. You could do a college course, an apprenticeship, on- the-job training or apply to an employer directly.
You should explore these routes to become a traffic technical officer 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.
College/training provider
There are no formal qualifications required to become a traffic technical officer; however, you may want to complete GCSEs in maths and English.
You’ll generally need:
- Up to 2 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 3 to 1 (D to G) (level 1 course)
- 2 or more GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) (level 2 or 3 course).
For a more senior traffic technical officer role, training or experience in traffic management, health and safety or logistics might be useful.
Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship is a good way into the industry, either with a local authority or a construction company specialising in infrastructure.
You’ll need up to 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent to become an apprentice.
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.
Work
If you have some basic experience, you could apply directly to a local authority or construction company to gain experience as a traffic technical officer. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced traffic technical officer and progress as your abilities improve.
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 traffic technical officer. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.
Skills
Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a traffic technical officer include:
- Knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
- Ability to think analytically and problem solve
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- Good attention to detail
- Flexible and open to change
- Ability to use your judgement and make decisions.
