Job profile: Building technician

Building technicians carry out work at a level between craft and management. They may work on a building site or in an office drawing up plans and schedules.

What are the typical progression routes?

Job description - Building Technician

Their work involves drawing up plans for use by senior construction and surveying staff.A building technicians work involves drawing up plans for use by senior construction and surveying staff.They will be responsible for drawing up plans for use by senior construction and surveying staff. These may be alterations and amendments made to existing plans. They will also be responsible for estimating and detailing all the thousands of items needed for a contract (equipment, plant, materials and labour) and their costs, and purchasing the materials needed under a buyers supervision for the project.Other roles are estimating, detailing and calculating all the items and labour needed. They will also need to attend meetings between contractors, building inspectors and clients.
 
Activities
  • Drawing up plans
  • Checking materials and equipment
  • Contact suppliers and sub-contractors for quotations of costs
  • Buying the materials needed at the best price and quality
  • Detailing all the thousands of items needed for a contract
 
Competencies
  • Have a thorough knowledge of the technical aspects
  • Good communication skills
  • Team player
  • Good IT skills
  • Good analytical skills
 
What are the routes in?
The recommended route for this profession is through workplace training as a technician apprentice through Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships. This will be arranged with a suitable employer. A minimum of four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) including maths and science or technology, or an appropriate Intermediate GNVQ/GSVQ Level 2 are required.Technician apprentice training has to be completed by the age of 25.
 
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 and health authorities. There are opportunities for promotion, for example to departmental manager in a large company. You may also be able to progress to a professional-level job - usually in construction management - by gaining further qualifications and relevant experience.
 
What is the work like?
Building technicians work in an office or on site, depending on their job. Technicians normally work a 38-hour week, Monday to Friday. Evening and weekend work may be required to meet deadlines.There may also be opportunities to work abroad with some firms.