Architectural technician
Architectural technicians work closely with architectural teams on the design process of building projects.
Salary Range: £18,000 to £40,000
How to become an architectural technician
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You can qualify as an architectural technician by taking a foundation degree or higher national diploma approved by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists. Subjects include:
- architectural technology
- built environment
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
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- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
College
You could do a college course, which could teach you some of the skills you’ll need in this job. Examples include:
- Level 3 Certificate in 3D Design
- Level 3 Diploma in Built Environment Design
- T level in Design, Surveying and Planning
Entry requirements
You may need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
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Apprenticeship
You may be able to start with a company on a digital engineering technician or built environment and design advanced apprenticeship.
After completing an advanced apprenticeship you could take further training to qualify.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Work
Employers may take you on as a trainee if you have 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and 2 A levels, in subjects like maths, science, IT and technology.
They may accept equivalent qualifications in engineering or construction, for example the Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Constructing the Built Environment.
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Career tips
It can help if you’ve got experience in the construction industry and knowledge of computer-aided design.
Professional and industry bodies
When you’ve completed an approved course you can apply for associate membership of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists. This allows you to complete the professional qualification stage of your training.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- design skills and knowledge
- knowledge of building and construction
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- knowledge of English language
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to use your initiative
- ambition and a desire to succeed
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your duties could include:
- preparing technical information to plan projects
- collecting and reading technical data
- preparing plans using computer aided design (CAD) software
- preparing applications for approval by regulatory bodies
- developing specifications for building work
- giving technical advice to the project team
- visiting sites to check on progress
Working environment
You could work on a construction site or in an office.
Career path and progression
With experience you could work towards Associate or Affiliate membership of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.
With further training, you could work towards becoming an architectural technologist.