Building technicians, sometimes known as construction estimators or site engineers, carry out a variety of roles in support of construction managers, surveyors, architects and other construction professionals. Their job is often a combination of office and sitework. Duties include:

Estimating - preparing costings for materials, labour, equipment and overheads for use in bids for tenders.

Buying - working with suppliers and sub-contractors to negotiate and purchase materials, equipment and labour at the most cost-effective price whilst maintaining quality.

Planning – working with planning engineers to decide the most appropriate methods for each construction stage; and monitoring progress against agreed completion dates.

Design – draughting construction plans and blueprints using computer-aided design (CAD) software.

Site preparation - preparing construction sites before work begins, for instance making sure installation of site offices and cabins, temporary access routes, power supplies and deliveries goes smoothly smoothly.

Supervising – overseeing building contractors on site.

Building technicians attend regular meetings with managers and clients to give progress updates.

Hours and Environment

Technicians normally work up to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Evening and weekend work may be required to meet deadlines.

Work could be office-based or on-site, depending on the duties. Estimators, buyers and planners are normally office-based. Technicians wear protective safety clothing, such as hard hats and boots, on site. A driving licence will be useful.

Skills and Interests

As a building technician, you should:

• have a thorough knowledge of construction methods, materials, health and safety, and associated legal requirements
• have good communication skills
• work well as part of a team be able to take responsibility
• be competent using information technology, particularly CAD software
• have good analytical skills
• be well organised and able to work to deadlines.

Entry

To be a building technician you will need some GCSEs/S grades in subjects such as maths, English and design and technology, or equivalent vocational qualifications such as Edexcel (BTEC) Introductory Certificate/Diploma and First Diploma in Construction, and National Certificate and Diploma in Construction.

Young people can start by training as an apprentice in construction. Most apprentices start at 16 to 19, but entry may be possible up to 24 (see Training section for contacts).

There is also a BTEC/SQA Higher National Certificate/Diploma in Construction, which requires a minimum of four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) and at least one A level/two H grades or equivalent qualifications. An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

If you already work in building crafts, for instance bricklaying, you may be able to take further training to qualify at technician level. Contact ConstructionSkills for details.

ConstructionSkills also has information about construction careers and qualifications in Further Information; and the Equal Opportunities Commission is promoting the construction trades as a career option for women through its Know Your Place campaign.

Training

For those employed as building technicians, there is a range of NVQ/SVQs available, including:

• Construction Site Supervision Level 3
• Construction Site Management Level 4
• Construction Contracting Operations at levels 3 and 4.

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) in conjunction with the National House Building Council offers a Technical Staff Development and Qualification Programme. The programme has a variety of units covering the estimating, planning, buying and surveying roles, and candidates take options according to their specialism, including:

• selecting, processing and submitting tenders
• procurement
• planning
• managing information
• construction problems
• developing working relationships
• dispute resolution.

For details of professional training, see websites for the CIOB and National House Building Council in Further Information.

The Association of Building Engineers (ABE) also offers information on a range of NVQ qualifications similar to those listed above. Contact ABE for details.

You may be able to enter through an apprenticeship scheme. Funding for apprenticeships may be available to people in certain priority groups. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. For information about apprenticeships in other parts of the UK, see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland.

Opportunities

There are opportunities with national and international building firms and contractors, in central and local government, and with organisations that carry out their own construction projects, such as:

• electricity, gas, and water companies
• major retailers
• health authorities.

There may also be opportunities to work abroad with some firms.

Progression routes normally include movement in to construction management positions or further specialisation in technical roles, such as estimating, draughting or buying.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries are between £14,500 and £16,500 a year.
Average salaries range between £17,000 and £23,500 a year.
Experienced technicians can earn between £25,000 and £30,000 a year.

Further information

Englemere
Kings Ride
Ascot
Berkshire
SL5 7TB
Tel: 01344 630700 Bircham Newton
King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577 Buildmark House
Chiltern Avenue
Amersham
Buckinghamshire
HP6 5AP Lutyens House
Billing Brook Road
Weston Favell
Northampton
NN3 8NW
Tel: 0845 126 1058