Construction & Built Environment
Construction & Built Environment
Assistant Civil Engineer
Help shape the roads, railways and infrastructure of Greater Manchester, working alongside experienced civil engineers.
Assistant civil engineers support the design and delivery of the infrastructure we all rely on, from roads, bridges and railways to flood defences, drainage and utilities. Greater Manchester has a busy pipeline of transport, regeneration and infrastructure work, so there are opportunities with consultancies, contractors, local authorities and utility companies across the region.
Salary in Greater Manchester
- Starting out: assistant and junior roles typically start from around £26,000 to £29,000 a year
- Civil engineers in Manchester: average around £35,000, with most between £27,000 and £61,000
- UK range for civil engineers: from about £29,000 for new starters up to £63,000 for experienced engineers
Career path
- Getting started: civil engineering technician or assistant engineer, often through an apprenticeship, HNC or HND
- Assistant civil engineer: supporting design, surveys, site checks and project tracking
- Civil engineer: leading designs and parts of projects, working towards incorporated or chartered status
- Next steps: senior or principal engineer, project manager, specialist (such as highways or water) or consultant
How to get started
Many people start through a college course or a Level 3 or 4 civil engineering apprenticeship, then build up with a higher technical qualification such as an HNC or HND in civil engineering. Use the View Courses button to see GMIoT courses linked to this career.
Salary figures are a guide, based on National Careers Service and PayScale data for 2025 to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, sector and experience.
Key Responsibilities
Support engineers with designs, drawings and calculations
Produce models and drawings using CAD software
Visit sites to help with surveys and inspections
Gather data and help assess project risks
Track progress against plans, deadlines and budgets
Keep accurate records and write progress reports
Skills Needed
- Maths and engineering science
- Design skills and CAD software
- Attention to detail
- Logical thinking and problem solving
- Teamwork and clear communication
- Knowledge of building and construction
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