Structural engineering technician

How to become a structural engineering technician

There are several routes to becoming a structural engineering technician. You could complete a university degree, a college course, an apprenticeship, or apply to an employer directly.

You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

University

To become a structural engineering technician, you could study for an undergraduate degree or postgraduate degree in a subject.

Your degree will need to be accredited by the Institution of Structural Engineers.

You’ll usually need: 

• 2 - 3 A levels or equivalent (undergraduate degree)
• An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject (postgraduate degree).

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a university course
• Funding advice

College/training provider

You could study a college course to help you become a structural engineering technician.

To study these courses you'll usually need: 

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Apprenticeship

You could complete a civil engineer degree apprenticeship and then specialise to become a structural engineering technician.

You’ll generally need 4 - 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels (or equivalent) to do a degree apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you’ll be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find an apprenticeship near you
• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have relevant experience in a similar role, such as civil engineering, you could apply directly to a construction company to gain onsite experience as a structural engineering technician. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced structural engineering technician and progress as your abilities improve.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a structural engineering technician. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills 

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a structural engineering technician include: 

• Knowledge of building and construction
• Creative thinking and design skills
• Teamworking and communication skills
• Excellent mathematical, IT, and analytical abilities
• Good attention to detail
• Excellent verbal communication skills.

Qualifications

What does a structural engineering technician do?

As a structural engineering technician, you will aid the design and construction of buildings and structures to ensure they are safe and structurally sound.

The job role of a structural engineering technician may involve the following duties: 

• Inspecting buildings to assess their structural integrity
• Working closely with design teams and other professionals on construction plans
• Developing design ideas, using computer aided design (CAD) software
• Using computer modelling simulations to predict how structures will act under varying conditions, i.e. high winds, flooding or earth tremors
• Investigating the properties of materials like glass, steel and concrete, and advising on which may be most suitable for the job
• Working out the loads and stresses on different parts of a structure like the foundations, beams, arches and walls
• Assisting in the inspection of unsafe buildings and recommending options for repairs or demolition
• Providing technical engineering advice
• Obtaining planning and building regulation approvals.

How much could you earn as a structural engineering technician?

The expected salary for a structural engineering technician varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained structural engineering technicians can earn £17,000 - £20,000
• Trained structural engineering technicians with some experience can earn £20,000 - £25,000
• Senior structural engineering technicians can earn £25,000 - £35,000*
• Self-employed structural engineering technicians set their own pay rates

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Check out the latest structural engineering technician vacancies: 

• Indeed
• Totaljobs

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

As a structural engineering technician, you could progress to become a structural engineer, or a senior or project manager.