Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Videos on the Web
- Engineering Technician - Civil- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- 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.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Working Life
The Civil Engineering Technician's duties include working on the design and construction of projects such as roads, seaports, airports, water supply and drainage systems, bridges, power stations and other structures. They supervise the erection of engineering equipment and structures, prepare engineering drawings, operate and keep records for sanitary plants such as water treatment works, inspect engineering construction and equipment, survey sites and prepare reports for engineers.
They are required to estimate costs and specify materials to be used. Their main role is to support engineers and supervise the production workers. Their work is more limited and practical than the engineers.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- 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.
Further Information
- Civil Engineering Technician- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Engineering Construction Technician- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Engineering Technician - Civil
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.
You will need draughting skills to prepare technical drawings and plans. Your work needs to be neat and accurate and you need to pay attention to detail. The work includes a lot of figure work, for example calculating, measuring and estimating, so you need to be good at maths. A good knowledge of construction technology and materials is also important. Some aspects of the work require good organisational and administrative skills. As most 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.
Interests - Engineering Technician - Civil
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.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Entry / Progression - Engineering Technician - Civil
New entrants would have typically completed a training programme in Civil Engineering. Relevant courses are available throughout the country.
The Institutes of Technology offer Higher Certificate and Degree programmes in Civil Engineering. Courses are also available at PLC level in areas such as Construction Technology from many colleges of Further Education and private colleges. Upon completion students reach technician/technician engineer status with Engineers Ireland.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: engineering operations, architectural technology, computer aided design, project management.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: general engineering, engineering technology, civil, mechanical, electronics engineering, construction technology.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Lean Sigma, Engineering Apprenticeships.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: general engineering, civil engineering, sustainable civil engineering.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: civil engineering, planning, engineering, structural, environmental, management.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
To apply for the Engineering Technician title, you will need an accredited level 6 qualification and three years post graduate experience.
A list of Engineering Technician accredited programmes is available Engineers Ireland
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Engineering Technician - Civil
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €34k - €80k
Salaries vary by employer, role, duties, location, and experience
Data Source(s):
CPL/ Sigmar/ Morgan McKinley/ Lincoln/ WEI
Last Updated: March, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Engineering Technician - Civil
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Elementary construction occupations; Scaffolders; stagers and riggers Road construction operatives; Rail construction; Maintenance operatives; Construction operatives n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Overall employment levels for this occupation have been relatively stable in recent years; the negative employment growth over the five-year period for this occupation relates to changes that occurred on the introduction of the new Labour Force Survey in 2017. Although employment only increased marginally between 2021 and 2022, there was a high volume of recent job hires indicating that job churn is a significant issue. Scaffolders appeared in the employment permit data, the Recruitment Agency Survey and in the DSP Jobs Ireland vacancy data.
The number of QQI scaffolding awards (specific purpose) reached 329 in 2022, and except for 2019 (when there were 333 awards), was higher than at any point over the last 10 years. A new two-year apprenticeship for scaffolding was also announced in August 2021 which aims to alleviate any issues for this occupation. It is not possible, however, to determine from the Labour Force Survey or Census data the employment levels for scaffolders and as such it is difficult to determine the extent to which supply from the education/training system is meeting demand.
Useful Contacts - Engineering Technician - Civil
-
Engineers Ireland
- 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
- (01) 665 1300
- Click Here
-
Construction Industry Federation
-
Wind Energy Ireland
- Sycamore House Millennium Park Osberstown Naas Co Kildare W91 D627
- 045 899341
- [email protected]
- Click Here
