Civil Engineering Technician Standard

A technician’s work involve

• Design – assisting in the development of technical solutions by producing design models, calculations, reports and drawings, surveying a site, using appropriate analysis and relevant codes.
• Analysis – using appropriate software systems and other data gathering tools and tests to solve technical problems.
• Project delivery – contributing to planning, managing work schedules, budgets and deadlines, and ensuring outputs comply with client and industry specifications, standards and guidance.
• Site engineering – operating quality systems and Health, Safety and Risk Management procedures and checking specified technical aspects of site activities.

Employers will set their own requirements but typically an apprentice will be expected to have achieved at least 5 GCSEs at Grades A*-C including Maths (Grade B), English and Science or their equivalent.

Knowledge

A Civil Engineering Technician will know

1. The different techniques and methods used to design, build and maintain civil engineering projects. This includes understanding how ideas and requirements are converted into engineering designs; knowing the standards, contracts and specifications and their impact on the design and construction process.
2. The appropriate scientific, technical and engineering principles relating to the design, delivery and maintenance of infrastructure and buildings. This includes an understanding of the mathematical, scientific and engineering techniques required to support the design and construction processes, including building information management and modelling aspects of civil engineering disciplines with a demonstrable knowledge of sustainability.
3. How to work effectively and contribute to engineering solutions by the correct use of resources and time. This includes an understanding of project management systems, tools and techniques as they are applied to the design and construction process.
4. How to communicate effectively using a range of techniques. This includes an understanding of different communication methods and when to use them; how to write technical reports; drawing and modelling conventions and engineering terminology; collaboration and effective team working.
5. The code of conduct of relevant professional bodies and institutions including ethics and their application in design and delivery of projects. Understanding the protection of client confidentiality, the need to adhere to corporate policies on ethics and diversity and the professional obligation to make a contribution to society.
6. Safe working practices and how to comply with them. Understanding regulations such as Construction Design and Management (CDM), Common Safety Method (CSM), hazard identification, mitigation and health safety and risk management in relation to project delivery.
7. Sustainable development and their own contribution to economic, environmental and social wellbeing. Understanding company and client sustainability and environmental policies and their impact on design and delivery; and an awareness of the environmental impact of projects and mitigating actions.
8. Sources of and approaches to Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This includes an understanding of appraisal schemes including training and development plans, CPD obligations and competency requirements relating to self and others.

Skills

A Civil Engineering Technician will be able to:

1. Select and use appropriate scientific, technical and engineering principles, techniques and methods to contribute to the design and delivery of infrastructure and building projects. This includes the ability to produce and self-check; calculations, models, drawings etc; use appropriate systems for data gathering, Computer Aided Drawing (CAD), Building Information Management (BIM) and project management; and assist with surveys and inspections.
2. Work with others to contribute to produce integrated engineering solutions by the correct use of resources and time. This includes the ability to contribute to developing, evolving and monitoring solutions to engineering problems whilst working to programme and within budget.
3. Manage and maintain the quality of their own work and that of others. Assess the task to be done, plan/schedule work and manage time; decide when to allocate work to other people; maintain the flow of information so the work can be completed on time; check work at an appropriate level and against appropriate standards and specifications. Keep well organised personal records of work undertaken
4. Communicate effectively and appropriately with others using a range of techniques including verbal communication, reports, models and drawings using correct terms, standards and formats.
5. Keep themselves and others safe by adhering to safe working practices. This includes the ability to identify hazards and assess risks, follow safe systems of work and adhere to all company safety policies.
6. Maintain their own skills base and learning. This includes the ability to continuously assess their own competence against training objectives and identify development needs and training action plans and comply with the code of conduct set out by their professional body.

Behaviours

• Take a responsible approach to health and safety.
• Be professional, proactive and receptive to constructive advice and guidance.
• Be willing to learn new skills and to adapt in the light of experience.
• Know one’s limitations and when to ask for help or escalate.
• Work independently when appropriate and take responsibility for and pride in their work.
• Demonstrate a positive approach to problem solving.
• Effectively contribute to discussions as part of a team.

This course will be delivered in the workplace and on-site.

No

However PPE must be worn

STAGE 1 – is the preparation for the presentation and structured interview. It will consist of  A project which will test the apprentice’s ability to integrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours acquired during the apprenticeship by developing a response to a technical project brief set by the Professional Engineering Institution, with a number of options and a rationale for the choice of one as the optimum solution.  A written report of 1400-1600 words which demonstrates how, in the course of their apprenticeship, the apprentice has integrated the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to be a competent Civil Engineering Technician. The report is verified by a professionally qualified engineer and will be used to inform the structured interview 

STAGE 2  A 10-minute presentation by the apprentice to the Assessor Panel showcasing their response to the project brief. This will be followed by 10-15 minutes of questions and discussion   A 30-40-minute structured interview based on the written report submitted prior to the interview, the purpose being to determine the apprentice’s ability to integrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours acquired during the apprenticeship To be successful the apprentice must pass the Presentation and Structured Interview. The assessment will satisfy the requirements for registration as an Engineering Technician by the Engineering Council. The Assessor Panel will consist of two experienced, qualified, and trained Civil Engineers nominated by the relevant Professional Engineering Institution. Benchmarking the End Point Assessment against the Engineering Council UK-SPEC requirements for EngTech means that the assessment outcomes will be consistent and reliable, allowing a fair and proper comparison between apprentices employed across the UK in different types and sizes of organisations.

Further Study – HNC or Higher Apprenticeship

Careers = Senior Civil Engineer

For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk