Starting as a construction quantity surveying technician
Are you interested in working in construction? Starting a new career can be a difficult hurdle to cross, but with the right training and experience, you can be set on the right path. There are a wide variety of jobs in the area of construction, with many different opportunities available to you. In this article, we are going to talk about what a construction quantity surveying technician does. Read on to see if this position is right for you.
Jobs and entry criteria for the Construction quantity surveying technician
There are many different jobs available that link to this qualification. Some jobs are: Assistant Quantity Surveyor; Quantity Surveying Technician and Assistant Cost Analyst. The typical entry requirements for a role such as this is 5 GCSE’s, including English, Maths, and a Science. Though the employer can also set their own requirements at their own discretion.
Key responsibilities of a Construction quantity surveying technician
Working in this field comes with responsibilities for the cost and the completion of projects. If you are good with budgeting and numbers, then this may be the role for you. There are numerous responsibilities that come with this role, but a few of these responsibilities are:
Helping senior managers with the budget of
construction projects
Keeping an eye on and controlling the costs of a
construction project
Selecting and managing specialist contractors
Contributing to the mitigation of disputes using
accurate records
Reporting the expenditure of income on construction
projects
Report of progress on construction projects
Assisting senior managers with legal and contractual
issues on construction projects
These are the main responsibilities that come with the job role. Knowledge and experience in managing or in any of these areas can be a big help with fitting into the job role. For more information on the skills and knowledge that you will need, visit ApprenticeTips for help on learning what you might need to start an apprenticeship.
Construction quantity surveying technician Competencies
Having competencies in health and safety, sustainability, construction technology, contracts, procurement, cost control, and financial reporting are desired for this role. You will be trained in these areas, but any prior knowledge will go a long way in helping you. You will also be tested on a variety of behaviours such as your ability to work in a team, commitment to a code of ethics, commitment to equality and diversity, and your ability to communicate effectively. This course will also keep a close eye on your personal development. You should be able to recognise your own areas where you need improvement to move forward. Communicating these needs effectively is another competency that you will develop.
Modules and exams
This sort of apprenticeship is usually over a 3-year span, however, previous experience may result in a shorter time frame. This depends on when competencies are met. Once this course has been completed, you will be awarded a Level 4 qualification in Construction and Build environment. The measurement of success is dependent on how well the competencies are met.
Conclusion
This course is good for those with no experience, as well as those who have been in this field before. If you are someone with experience in English and Maths and enjoy managing projects. Then this line of work may be good for you. You will get to work on a variety of different projects in the construction area. Working as a construction quantity surveying technician means that you will be given certain responsibility for projects.
If you think this role is right for you, then contact us today!
Are you excited by the idea of designing, installing and maintaining building services, like lighting and heating? Does infrastructure interest you? If this sounds up your street, read on to find out how the degree-level Building Services Design Engineer apprenticeship may be a great route to a new career.
How the level 6 Building Services Design Engineer apprenticeship works
The Building Services Design engineer apprenticeship teaches
an apprentice the skills needed to design the various services found in buildings
and infrastructure projects.
Duration of apprenticeship
Typically 60-66 months (5-5½ years), depending on the
apprentice’s previous experience.
What a Building Services Design Engineer job entails
A Building Services Design Engineer manages a team of engineers and technicians. They work with other construction professionals to design, maintain and install various services found in buildings and infrastructure projects.
The engineers work typically include the following:
Renewable and emerging technologies
Energy management
Heating
Ventilation
Air conditioning
Lighting
Power
Water services
Building transportation (e.g. lifts), and more!
Buildings and infrastructure can vary from newly built premises to the refurbishment of older facilities, for every sector of industry.
Building Services Design Engineers will undertake both the
technical and commercial management of projects using engineering design
solutions to maintain and enhance the quality of the environment and community.
They employ current and emerging technology to produce innovative engineering design solutions for development, manufacture and construction.
Career options with a level 6 Building Services Design Engineer Apprenticeship
Building services design engineers may work for a design
consultancy, a contractor or a manufacturing company.
Starting salaries for a graduate building services design engineer average between a respectable £26000 to £28000.
More experienced design engineers earn on average a salary of around £40000, with more senior engineers earning above £55000.
Partners or highly experiences building services design engineers with chartered status may earn over £80000. Engineers in larger international consultancies can earn over £110000 a year.
TIP: Having chartered status also increases
your pay level.
Entry requirements
Apprenticeship candidates will usually have at least three A
levels at Grades A*-C including Mathematics and Physical Science or their
equivalent.
Alternatively, they can complete a Level 3 Apprenticeship as a Building Services Design Technician.
Qualifications gained with a Level 6 Building Service Design Engineers Apprenticeship
A Building Services Design Engineer apprenticeship will teach you a wealth of skills
With this level 6 apprenticeship, successful apprentices will earn a BSc or BEng building services degree with accreditation by the relevant professional engineering institution.
NOTE: Apprentices without Level 2 English
and Maths must achieve this level prior to taking the end-point assessment.
Building Services Design Engineer Apprenticeship structure
The Building Services Design Engineer Apprenticeship is divided
into three parts:
Approximately Month 0-60: Recommended on programme assessment through
Assignments
Projects
Portfolio of evidence
Development reviews
Examinations
Around Month 60: Gateway
Satisfactory completion of knowledge skills
and behaviours including an accredited building services degree. Level 2 in
Maths & English must be achieved. At this point, the application for the
End Point Assessment (EPA) is confirmed by your employer.
Two
months before expected end date: End Point Assessment
Presentation and questioning on the research
assignment
Structured interview informed by the Engineering
Practice Report
Assessment by assessors appointed by the
relevant Professional Engineering Institution
You pass if you achieve the above. You’re then registered as an Incorporated Engineer
[Source: Open Government Licence for public sector
information]
Key learnings
As mentioned above in part one of the apprenticeship, there are core learnings that the apprentice must develop and demonstrate during their apprenticeship. These divide into knowledge, skills and behaviours.
Knowledge
A Building Services Design Engineer apprenticeship needs an
in-depth knowledge of:
Mathematical, scientific and engineering principles and methods. These are important because they underpin the design of complex building services systems.
Digital solutions to model, design, analyse and evaluate building service systems.
Research techniques to improve how business services systems perform.
Quality standards, codes of practice, legal and regulatory frameworks. These govern the design of building services systems, in reference to health, safety and welfare and environmental impact.
Principles and techniques of whole life evaluation in the design of building engineering services systems. These consider account critical constraints like due concern for safety and sustainability.
Principles and techniques of effective project management. These include resources, cost and risk assessment.
How to manage teams and develop staff to meet shifting technical and managerial needs.
Effective communication effectively through reports, drawings, specifications and presentations. This includes how to explain design principles with both technical and non-technical people.
Dealing fairly and honestly when selection suppliers or contractors. This includes fair reviewing of tenders when making recommendations for award of contracts.
Skills
A Building Services Design Engineer will be able to do the
following:
Use a solid, evidence-based approach to problem solving. These will lead to developing building services engineering design solutions to enhance the quality of the environment and community, and meet client, financial and safety objectives.
Identify, review and select the best way to design complex building services systems and components.
Champion the continuous improvement of the design of building services systems and components. This includes using latest industry developments and best practice and taking part in design reviews and evaluation.
Manage and apply safe systems of work. This includes being responsible for own obligations for health, safety and welfare issues, assessing and controlling risk, working with health, safety and welfare legislation and best practice.
Manage the planning, budgeting and organisation of tasks, people and resources Achieve this via the following:
Appropriate management systems
Working to agreed quality standards, project programme and budget
Working within legal, contractual and statutory requirements
Manage teams and develop staff to meet shifting technical or managerial needs.
Communicate effectively through reports, drawings, specifications, presentations and discussions. Be able to do so with both technical and non-technical people.
Complete and document continuing profession development, maintaining and enhancing knowledge and competence as a building services design engineer.
Behaviours
A great Building Services Design Engineer will:
Have compassion and be perceptive. They are aware of the needs and concerns of others, especially in terms of diversity and equality
Show they’re reliable
Have integrity
Respect confidentiality
Be confident and adaptable when dealing with new or changing interpersonal situations
Create, retain and develop productive working relationships.
Have a strong commitment to health, safety and welfare.
Show personal commitment to professional and ethical standards
Recognize their obligation to society, the profession and the environment
Take responsibility for personal development, committing to learning and self-improvement
Be open to feedback
Although some of these components may feel unfamiliar, after completing the apprenticeship they will become second nature!
Conclusion
As you can see, the Level 6 Building Services Design Engineer apprenticeship is a fantastic avenue into an interesting, well-paid career. The ability to upskill and earn as you learn, in a varied role makes it a great option for anyone who loves learning and wants a job that’s far from boring. You’ll be sure to leave with a wealth of invaluable skills that will take your career to the next level.
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So you are interested in starting your profession as an Acoustics Technician but not sure how to go about it? Don’t worry! We’ll cover everything you need to know in the article below. From what an Acoustics Technician is and what they do, plus what an apprenticeship involves.
Doing an Acoustics Technician apprenticeship is a great way of starting your career. You’ll learn useful skills and gain knowledge in areas such as the calibration of acoustic equipment and understanding the science of sound and vibration for uses in construction, engineering and product design.
What is an Acoustics Technician?
When new railway lines are laid, tunnels created, products such as cars designed and theatres updated, sound and vibration have to be considered. This could be due to how much noise is being generated or where the sound and vibrations are being focused. This is where an Acoustics Technician comes in. They take sound and vibration readings, create models and make suggestions to assist architects and designers to improve or comply with regulations. Sound good!?
What does an Acoustics Technician do?
An Acoustics Technician is focussed on the science of sound and vibration. They do a variety of tasks, typically supporting Acoustic Engineers. Technicians are normally involved in projects where they focus specifically on the acoustic aspects alongside other acoustic experts, such as consultants and engineers. These projects are often in really varied locations such as stadiums, theatres, railways and many more. As an Acoustics Technician you will typically undertake:
Noise and vibration surveying
Data collecting, processing, analysing and reporting
Acoustic modelling
Calibration of acoustic equipment
How much do Acoustics Technician earn?
An important question when it comes to careers, how much could you earn? Well, according to Glassdoor the typical Acoustics Technician earns around £27k a year based on the national average.
How can you become an Acoustics Technician?
There are various paths you can take too, such as studying in a university full time, doing an online course or taking an apprenticeship. This is the route that we would recommend as the hands-on experience you will gain whilst learning is invaluable to further your career and understanding.
Also, you won’t have any tuition fees or student debt to worry about. As employers normally cover the bill for the course, so you get paid whilst learning!
A Acoustics Technician viewing a railway tunnel with yellow hard hat
What does the Acoustics Technician apprenticeship involve?
It is a 24-month course (not including EPA period) where you will learn the required knowledge, skills and behaviours to become an Acoustics Technician.
The knowledge you will gain:
Following law, regulations and standards in regard to acoustics
Scientific principles of sound and vibration
Level 4 mathematics
Use of various sound and vibration measuring equipment
Sustainable practices in the design and manufacture of acoustic products
Using Computer Aided Design software packages
Acoustic modelling, reporting and analysing data
The skills you will learn:
Identifying risks related to acoustics
How to do acoustics calculations manually and using spreadsheets
Interpreting sound correctly
Communicating effectively in both oral and written form
Produce models and reports
The behaviours you will display:
Accuracy and diligence
Teamwork
Attention to detail
Time management
Commitment to Equality and Diversity
How can you apply to be an Acoustics Technician?
You can find out more information about applying using the contact form below.
To be eligible to take the course you are required to have an equivalent of a level 3 apprenticeship preferably in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields. If you haven’t already achieved level 2 in English or Mathematics. You can do so during apprenticeship, however you need to finish it before the EPA (End Point Assessment).
What do you receive when you complete the apprenticeship?
Once competed you will have the skills and ability to do a wide variety of acoustic-based jobs such as:
Architectural and Environmental Acoustics Technician
Acoustics Laboratory Technician
Acoustics Calibration Engineering Technician
Supporting Environmental Health Practitioner for noise
Acoustics Product Design Technician
You will be eligible to register with the Engineering Council at EngTech level. Which is a globally recognised profession registration title. Valued by numerous employers and customers in the field so is a great option.
Future prospects
Once you have completed the apprenticeship you can progress on to becoming a Acoustics Engineer or Consultant. You can also develop into other senior roles detailed under the construction occupational map.
Finally, there are additional CPD (continuous personal development) courses which can be found through the Engineering Council or other engineering bodies.
If you require any further information or are interested in becoming an apprentice, please fill out the contact form below. We would love to hear from you!
Do you like the sound of being involved with installing new high technology equipment? Maybe you would like to know more about how you can learn about the modernization of lifts and elevators whilst getting paid. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy then we have the perfect opportunity for you to kick start your career. Take a look at the Level 3 Lift and Escalator Electromechanic Apprenticeship via the Apprenticeship Tips website.
What pre-existing skills do I need for the Apprenticeship?
The primary role of this apprenticeship includes learning how to install new, high technology equipment and also the maintenance and modernization of lifts and escalators. So of course, with learning being a key part of an apprenticeship, we don’t expect applicants to already have all the knowledge needed. Still interested? Keep reading…
Core skills for this role include health and safety, the ability to plan and organise efficiently, an understanding of electrical technology and an understanding of Mechanical Lift, Escalator and Moving Walk Technology. Self-motivation, the ability to work in a team and communication are also vital skills to succeed.
To apply for this role you will be expected to have already achieved three GCSEs or Level 2 equivalent including Maths, English and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. However, please note this differs for individual employers.
Apprenticeship Occupational Duties
As part of your job role, you will carry out some key roles including but not limited to;
Installing passenger/ goods carrying lift systems in new or existing buildings to industry-specific quality standards for lifts
Maintenance, service and repair of existing passenger/ goods carrying lifts, ensuring that they function in line with manufacturer requirements.
Installing escalators in commercial and domestic buildings in open and enclosed areas
Maintenance, service and repair of existing escalators and moving walks.
All of this will make up your day-to-day activities whilst earning too! It almost sounds too good to be true.
What Qualification will I achieve?
Now for the exciting part. As part of this apprenticeship, you will achieve either a Level 3 QCF NVQ Diploma in Engineering Maintenance or a Level 3 QCF NVQ Diploma in Installation and Commissioning depending on your pathway chosen. This is an invaluable qualification recognised nationally by employers.
Conclusion
This apprenticeship is a great way to kick start your career and gain some real workplace experience. Over the course of 36-42 months, you will learn valuable skills and behaviours which are transferrable across many industries. Don’t sit around thinking what if, apply now.
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Is this apprenticeship not quite right for you? Check out our website to read more blogs on different areas and industries to make the choice that is right for you!
