Occupation Details

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.

The following is a list of the most commonly reported tasks and activities for this occupation

The following is a list of the most commonly reported skills used in this occupation.

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.

New entrants 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.  

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 here from Engineers Ireland

Last Updated: October, 2014

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Civil Engineering Technician - from: N.C.S. [UK]

Engineering Construction Technician - from: N.C.S. [UK]