Construction & Built Environment
Construction & Built Environment
Civil Engineering Technician
Support the engineers behind Greater Manchester's roads, railways and regeneration projects, with routes on to chartered status.
Civil engineering technicians give technical support to civil engineers on projects such as roads, bridges, railways, tram extensions, flood defences and new housing developments. They produce drawings, carry out surveys and tests, and keep projects on track. Greater Manchester’s busy pipeline of transport and regeneration schemes means technicians are needed by consultancies, contractors, local councils and utility companies across the region.
Salary in Greater Manchester
- UK range: from about £26,000 for new starters up to £42,000 for experienced technicians
- Pay in Greater Manchester is broadly in line with the national range, with higher salaries for senior technicians and those with EngTech registration
- Typical hours are 37 to 42 a week, sometimes with site visits and overtime
Career path
- Getting started: trainee or apprentice technician, often through a Level 3 or Level 4 civil engineering apprenticeship
- Civil engineering technician: producing CAD drawings, carrying out site surveys, testing materials and supporting engineers
- Senior technician: managing a team of technicians or specialising in an area such as highways, railways or energy
- Next steps: professional registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech), freelance work, or further study to qualify as a civil engineer
How to get started
You can start with a Level 3 qualification or apprenticeship in civil engineering or construction, then progress to an HNC or HND while working. Use the View Courses button to see GMIoT courses linked to this career.
Salary figures are a guide, based on National Careers Service data for 2025 to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, sector and experience.
Key Responsibilities
Give technical support to civil engineers on projects
Produce technical drawings using CAD software
Take and test soil and material samples
Carry out calculations and analyse data
Run site surveys and keep accurate records
Monitor project plans, schedules and budgets
Skills Needed
- Maths and engineering knowledge
- Confidence with CAD and computer software
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving
- Teamwork and communication
- Organisation and time management
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