In Summary
As a civil engineering technician, you will use software and equipment specific to the industry as part of your daily work. You will be involved in solving problems and finding solutions using mathematical and other techniques.
You will work independently and as part of a team to organise and manage the resources needed to complete tasks and clearly communicate technical information to colleagues and other parties.
At the end of your training, you will be able to:
Apply mathematical and scientific techniques to solve problems and find solutions.
Use information technology and software tools to gather and display data.
Understand design tool features and basic design techniques.
Identify the most appropriate equipment and processes for each task.
Identify, organise and use resources effectively to complete tasks.
Apply environmental health & safety regulations.
To view full details of this occupation, view information from our Careers database for the following occupation: Civil Engineering Technician
Entry Requirements
At least 18 years of age.
• QQI Level 5 (or equivalent).
• An interest in Mathematics and problem solving.
• Pass Grade in Maths at Level 5 (or Equivalent).
• Interest in Civil Engineering and the built environment.
• Solid literacy, verbal, and numeracy skills.
• Ability to plan and prepare work.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good computer skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Safety focused.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Training
Programme Structure
• These apprenticeships are of either 2 or 3 year duration
• Higher Certificate – Level 6 – 2 years
• Bachelor of Engineering – Level 7 – 3 years
• You will be trained and assessed both On and Off the Job.
Off the Job training will include:
• 1 week residential (week one)– Project based learning.
• Lectures delivered online on 1 full day (8hrs) per week.
• Apprentices will attend campus on 1 additional day (Friday) per month to carry out Labs/ workshops.
Skills & Qualities
As a civil or structural engineering technician you should enjoy practical tasks and teamwork.
You will need good communication skills to work well with other people including management, the workforce and suppliers.
Draughting skills to prepare technical drawings and plans. Your work needs to be neat and accurate and you need to pay attention to detail.
This work includes a lot of numbers work, for example calculating, measuring and estimating, so you need to be good at maths.
Good knowledge of construction technology and materials is also important. Some aspects of the work require good organisational and administrative skills.
Some engineering drawing is done using computer aided design, computer skills would be beneficial.
You also need to be fit and active.
Most technicians will spend some time out on-site; some are outdoors in all weather conditions for much of the time.
Work Activities
Calculate dimensions, square footage, profile and component specifications, and material quantities using calculator or computer.
Read and review project blueprints and structural specifications to determine dimensions of structure or system and material requirements.
Draft detailed dimensional drawings and design layouts for projects and to ensure conformance to specifications.
Confer with supervisor to determine project details such as plan preparation, acceptance testing, and evaluation of field conditions.
Analyse proposed site factors and design maps, graphs, tracings, and diagrams to illustrate findings.
Prepare reports and document project activities and data.
Report maintenance problems occurring at project site to supervisor and negotiate changes to resolve system conflicts.
Inspect project site and evaluate contractor work to detect design malfunctions and ensure conformance to design specifications and applicable codes.
Conduct materials test and analysis using tools and equipment and applying engineering knowledge.
Develop plans and estimate costs for installation of systems, utilisation of facilities, or construction of structures.
Career Progression
CAO higher education Civil Engineering NFQ level 7-8 search our CAO coursefinder.
Apprenticeship There are further Civil engineering NFQ level 8 & 9 programmes in development, and current principal or engineering programmes NFQ levels 9-10 search our apprenticeship explorer.
Springboard courses full, part time, blended online & in person skill conversion programmes NFQ level 6-9 search Springboard courses.
Skillnets industry networks Engineering & construction sector led skills and training programmes across construction, productivity, engineering, minerals & extraction, MedTech, and green energy & manufacture search Skillnets courses.
Post graduate study post graduate career development Civil & engineering programmes NFQ level 9-10.
Getting an Apprenticeship
This Civil Engineering Apprenticeship is supported by Solas, ATU Atlantic technical University and Civil Engineering Contractors Association.
Civil Engineering Technician Level 6 & 7 Brochure
To find an apprenticeship, you can search apprenticeship vacancies and a list of currently approved apprentice employers on the Apprenticeship Jobs & Employers Portal. You can search for vacancies by location, and employers in each apprenticeship.
Use this link to explore a list of Approved Employers by Region and by Apprenticeship type.
Dr Emma Britton
Atlantic Technological University
Tel: + 353 (0) 71 930 5157
Email: [email protected]
Finding an employer and securing your apprenticeship
Finding an employer or registering your interest with an official Coordinating Provider is one of the first things you need to do to start an apprenticeship.
Opportunities for this apprenticeship may be available from the following organisations:
Online Jobsites
Here are some direct links to employment websites that frequently list apprenticeship vacancies.
Note: These websites may include vacancies that are not QQI accredited Apprenticeships.
Below are the results for an Apprentice from indeed.ie.
Pay & Fees
Apprentices complete their off-the-job training in a higher education institution, for which they are required to pay a student contribution.
The amount payable is a proportion of the annual student contribution for students attending a full-time course in higher education. The student contribution is paid directly to the higher education institution over the two years.
The student contribution for this programme is €1200 per year.
