Construction & Built Environment
Construction & Built Environment
Construction Technician
Provide the technical know-how behind Greater Manchester's building projects, from cost estimates to site planning.
Construction technicians, also known as building technicians, provide technical support to construction managers, surveyors and engineers. They help with cost estimates, drawings, materials and site planning on projects ranging from housing to commercial buildings. They work for main contractors, local councils, utility companies and the NHS estates teams across Greater Manchester, where a steady pipeline of new developments keeps demand high.
Salary in Greater Manchester
- UK range: from about £24,000 for new starters up to £40,000 for experienced technicians
- Pay in Greater Manchester is broadly in line with the national range, rising with experience and responsibility
- Typical hours are 37 to 40 a week, with time split between office and site
Career path
- Getting started: trainee or apprentice technician, often through a Level 3 or Level 4 construction apprenticeship
- Construction technician: preparing estimates, producing drawings, checking materials and monitoring progress
- Senior technician: taking on larger projects or supervising others
- Next steps: construction project management, estimating, CAD technician work, buying, or further study towards construction management
How to get started
You can start with a Level 3 qualification in construction and the built environment, then progress to an HNC or HND while you work. You’ll usually need a CSCS card to work on site. 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
Prepare cost estimates for bids and tenders
Negotiate costs with suppliers
Check that materials meet the right standards
Plan building methods and produce CAD drawings
Monitor progress and report at site meetings
Help prepare sites before work starts
Skills Needed
- Knowledge of building and construction
- Maths and estimating skills
- Confidence with CAD and computer software
- Attention to detail
- Teamwork and communication
- Problem solving
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