Architectural technician
Creative and Media

Related videos on an architectural technician

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

University (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

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

College (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

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.

Apprenticeship (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

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.

More info

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 & 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

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

Career path & 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.