Building Technician

Building technicians are the essential link between management and the labour force in constructing buildings and building works. Operating at a level between craftspeople and managers, they also provide practical support for professional engineers, surveyors, managers and accountants.The work involves detailing all the items needed for a contract - equipment, plant, materials and labour - and their costs. Each job is costed in detail to arrive at an overall price that will both win the contract and make a profit. Working from the architect's drawings, technicians price all the materials, then contact suppliers and sub-contractors for quotations of costs and delivery times. They then check all materials and equipment when they are delivered on-site.

Building technicians also advise on possible amendments to plans, work as site engineer, measure and prepare a site for construction, supervise craft workers and operatives on site, and co-ordinate the programme of work. They are responsible for safety precautions and for the timing and progress of the work.

Entry level
The recommended route for training as a building technician is with an employer as a technician apprentice through Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships. Most apprentices start between the ages of 16 to 18. Entry is possible after this, but training has to be completed by the age of 25. For this route, you would need a minimum of four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) including maths and science or technology, or equivalent.

It is also possible to train in craft skills such as bricklaying or plumbing through the Construction Apprenticeship scheme, and continue to train to be a technician. This could be through an Apprenticeship, a two-year programme leading to NVQ Level 2, or through the National Construction College (NCC), leading to qualifications linked to NVQs.

Making the grade
Technicians at the lower end of the scale can study for higher qualifications and gain skills and experience to progress to posts of increasing responsibility. For example, a technician could become a senior buyer, a chief estimator or head of department. In a large company, a technician could become a departmental manager.

Technicians can also progress to professional-level jobs, usually a construction manager, by gaining further qualifications and relevant experience.

Personal qualities
As a building technician, you should have a thorough knowledge of building techniques and materials, be aware of health and safety legislation and practice, and know the legal requirements of building and construction.

You must be able to work under pressure and you would need good IT skills, together with spoken and written communication skills.

Looking ahead
There are an estimated 20,000 people working as building technicians with building contractors and property developers, as well as in surveying and civil engineering practices. There are also opportunities in the public sector, local government, the Civil Service and the health authorities.

The building industry is continuing to grow, with developments in all areas of the country, and there are currently more vacancies than applicants.

Alternative suggestions
Other possibilities might include architectural technologist, building control surveyor, civil engineering technician, clerk of works/site manager, construction manager, estate agent, quantity surveyor or surveyor.

Take-home pay
As a trainee, you could expect to start on around £12,000 a year, rising with qualifications and experience to £20,000 plus.

Effects
The standard working week is 37 to 40 hours, but building technicians often have to work overtime in the evening and at weekends. Sometimes it is necessary to live temporarily away from home, or move permanently to different areas of the country.

Construction sites can be dirty, dusty and noisy. Technicians may have to climb ladders and scaffolding or go underground. Safety gear, including boots and hard hats, are worn on site at all times.

Sources of information
Association of Building Engineers: www.abe.org.uk
Chartered Institute of Building: www.ciob.org.uk
Construction Industry Training Board: www.citb.co.uk/careers - for careers advisers, teachers and adults and www.bconstructive.co.uk - for young people.
Engineering Construction Industry Training Board: www.ecitb.org.uk
Institute of Clerks of Works: www.icwgb.org

CRCI: BB
DP Group: 3