Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Developing and Building Teams Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

The Work

Building technicians give technical support and assistance to professionals and managers involved in construction projects. Building technicians may work on a wide range of projects, from large-scale new building works such as office blocks and housing estates to small-scale extensions and alterations to part of a building.

The duties of a building technician combine office based work and on-site work. The amount of time spent in the office and on-site varies between employers. The building technician can work with architects, contractors, local government or industrial organisations.  
 
In the office, building technicians use computer-aided design (CAD) packages to draw up plans and specifications for use by senior staff such as building surveyors. They draw details of foundations and overall layout and may need to produce designs for features such as doors and windows.  
 
Using these plans, the building technician calculates the basic costs of the project, taking into account local factors such as the availability of certain building materials and the hire of specialist sub-contractors. Technicians must also use their knowledge of building materials to make sure that the range of materials can be safely combined.

When the building technician has calculated these initial costs, they are given to a senior manager or a quantity surveyor; they check the figures, allowing for additional factors, such as overheads and profit margins, in order to arrive at a final estimate. The building technician will usually be involved in site preparation before the job begins. This may involve installing site office, portable toilets etc.  
 
As well as drawing up plans for a project, the building technician must make sure that they meet with national building regulations. Plans must also conform to local planning requirements, so the technician needs to talk to building control officers from the local council. Before new building or demolition can begin, the building technician must also check that it is acceptable to other bodies such as water, gas and electricity companies. They are also involved in materials specifications and testing. They survey and set out areas.  
 
On the construction site, the building technician may accompany senior staff to meetings with the building contractor, sub-contractors, building inspector and the customer/client. An experienced technician may act alone, chair the meeting and play a leading role in co-ordinating the programme of work, defining areas of responsibility and discussing safety precautions.

As work progresses, the building technician visits the site to check for faults and works closely with the site engineer. In some organisations, the building technician may supervise repair work. But sometimes this is the responsibility of a building inspector who refers major problems to the technician.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Plan, schedule, or coordinate construction project activities to meet deadlines.
• Prepare and submit budget estimates, progress reports, or cost tracking reports.
• Interpret and explain plans and contract terms to representatives of the owner or developer, including administrative staff, workers, or clients.
• Direct and supervise construction or related workers.
• Prepare contracts or negotiate revisions to contractual agreements with architects, consultants, clients, suppliers, or subcontractors.
• Confer with supervisory personnel, owners, contractors, or design professionals to discuss and resolve matters, such as work procedures, complaints, or construction problems.
• Plan, organise, or direct activities concerned with the construction or maintenance of structures, facilities, or systems.
• Study job specifications to determine appropriate construction methods.
• Inspect or review projects to monitor compliance with building and safety codes or other regulations.
• Investigate damage, accidents, or delays at construction sites to ensure that proper construction procedures are being followed.

Further Information

• Building Technician - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

You can enter training by completing a course in Building Technology or Building Studies at one of the Institutes of Technology.

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Construction skills, Project management: Prince-2, Scrum master, general Management in centres around Ireland NFQ Level 5-6 Search our FET Coursefinder

FET PLC Courses: Construction  studies, allied trade skills pre apprenticeship, management courses around Ireland at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeship: Lean Six Sigma, Recruitment, Trade & Engineering Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-9 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Contruction project Management, Construction & Technology courses around Ireland at NFQ Levels 6-8 Search our CAO coursefinder

Postgraduate Study Options ontruction project Management, Construction & Technology NFQ level 9

Professional Development  
The Construction Industry Federation offers a Site Management and Training Education scheme (SMETS) to people who are over 23 years of age and have at least two years site supervisory experience. This course leads to the Chartered Institute Of Building Certificate in Management Studies. This course is not run on a regular basis and often depends on demand by students. 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €65k

Salaries vary depending on employer, location, experience, and duties.

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley / Sigmar / Brightwater/ Excel

Last Updated: March, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels in 2022 returned to pre-COVID-19 levels after declining for the previous two years. The Census data shows that employment is spread across a number of roles, all of which increased between 2016 and 2022.

The share aged 55 years and older fell between quarter 4 2021 and quarter 4 2022 from 38% to 23%; although still above the national average of 19%, job opportunities through replacement demand have likely lessened. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified issues with sourcing steel fixers/erectors, curtain wallers, and fitters/glaziers with Skills for Growth data suggesting issues with recruiting roofers for the construction sector. New employment permits issued in 2022 related to foremen, fitters/glaziers and tilers.

Vacancies advertised through DSP Jobs Ireland were mainly for glaziers, tilers, roofers/solar panel installers. Roofing awards from QQI totalled 54 in 2022, up slightly compared to 2020 and 2021 but still below their pre-pandemic level of 84. The DFHERIS report notes that it is becoming increasingly common for roofs to be constructed offsite which is likely to have knock-on effects for demand for these skills but a significant increase in retrofitting activities would likely see increased demand for roofers and glaziers. Although future shortages may emerge, albeit in small numbers, none are evident at present. 

• Construction Industry Federation

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