Transport modeller

How to become a transport modeller

There are several routes to becoming a transport modeller. You could complete a university or college course, an apprenticeship, or apply directly to an employer if you have relevant experience. 

You should explore these routes to becoming a transport modeller 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

In most cases you will be required to have an undergraduate degree to become a transport modeller.

To study for an undergraduate degree, you’ll usually need 2 - 3 A levels, or equivalent.

Many graduates then continue on to do an approved postgraduate qualification in transport planning, offered by the Transport Planning Society. 

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

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

College/training provider

You could complete a college course related to IT or Computer Aided Design (CAD), to help prepare you for a career as a transport modeller.  

You’ll generally need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

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

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a good way into the industry. You could start by doing a transport planning technician advanced apprenticeship, then move on to a transport planner degree apprenticeship.

You'll need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths (advanced apprenticeship)
• 4 - 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent (higher or degree apprenticeship).

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you’ll 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.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find an apprenticeship near you
• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have experience within the transport management sector, you could apply directly to a construction company to gain onsite experience as a transport modeller. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced transport modeller 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 transport modeller. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills 

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a transport modeller include: 

• Knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• Mathematics, engineering, science, and geography knowledge
• Design skills and knowledge
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work well with others
• Good attention to detail.

Qualifications

What does a transport modeller do?

As a transport modeller, you will carry out research and use computer modelling to design new road and motorway systems or predict the impact on existing roads of necessary diversions (for highways repairs), or new developments such as shopping complexes. 

The job role of a transport modeller involves the following duties: 

• Using specialist computer software to design and develop transport models to forecast future road usage
• Simulating transport problems
• Understanding environmental concerns around transport
• Keeping up to date with current regulations and directives
• Working within a team to find the most time and cost-efficient solutions to develop transport systems
• Analysing and interpreting data from transport studies
• Forecasting the impact of new developments, like shopping centres or diversions, on transport systems
• Managing traffic through congestion charging or parking controls
• Studying accident 'black spots' to design road safety improvements
• Creating precise technical drawings
• Updating databases with new road information
• Liaising between teams and departments
• Visiting locations to assess sites first-hand.

How much could you earn as a transport modeller?

The expected salary for a transport modeller varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained transport modellers can earn £30,000 - £35,000
• Trained transport modellers with some experience can earn £35,000 - £40,000
• Senior, chartered, or master transport modellers can earn £40,000 - £60,000.*

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Check out the latest transport modeller vacancies: 

• Indeed
• Totaljobs

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

As a transport modeller you could become a senior or chartered transport planner through qualifications such as the Transport Planning Professional (TPP) qualification. You might also move into town planning, policy development or environmental consultancy.