Architectural technician
Collect and organise the technical information needed to make sure a new building can be constructed.
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£385
Entry level
£769
Experienced
Monthly
£1,667
Entry level
£3,333
Experienced
Yearly
£20,000
Entry level
£40,000
Experienced
2,400
people are currently employed
Low growth
100 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would research and put together the technical details that construction companies need for a new development.
You'd support architects, surveyors and other people in the construction industry.
You would:
bring together technical information for planning projects, such as what the client wants, surveys of the site and building regulations
prepare plans using computer-aided design (CAD) software, as well as traditional drawing methods
prepare applications for approval by regulatory bodies
monitor the health and safety aspect of the design
prepare specifications for construction work
advise the project team on technical matters
visit sites to check on progress and inspect work
Your work would help to ensure that the new building meets the client’s requirements, whether it is a small home extension or a huge new sports stadium.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- taking responsibility
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- working with numbers
- innovative
- designing
- creative
- working with technology
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Art and Design
Art and Design (Design)
Computing Science
Design and Manufacture
Design and Technology
Engineering Science
Graphic Communication
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
Foundation Apprenticeship: Construction
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
To become a professionally qualified Architectural Technician, you can study an HNC or HND such as a Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) in Architectural Technology or a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in Architectural Technology, Construction or the Built Environment.
A list of HNC and HND courses approved by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) is available on the CIAT website. A list of CIAT-accredited honours degrees is also available.
Entry to an Architectural Technologies HNC or HND requires Nationals (SCQF level 4/5) and one to two Highers (SCQF level 6), or a National Certificate in the Built Environment for some courses.
Entry to a degree course usually requires four Highers and National 5s.
With a Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) in Architectural Technologies you may be able to gain entry to the second or third year of some degrees (SCQF level 9/10).
Edinburgh Napier University and Robert Gordon University offer Architectural Technologies degrees in Scotland.
It is possible to enter this role without a degree, or with qualifications that are not recognised by the CIAT, via the CIAT’s profile candidate route. However this requires substantial experience and possibly further qualifications, this can take some time to achieve.
It is possible to progress towards chartered membership of the CIAT or a career as a Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT).
You can register for student membership of the CIAT while studying an approved higher education qualification, you are then eligible to upgrade your membership to associate level on graduation (ACIAT).
To undertake the Architectural Professional and Occupation Performance (POP) record, either while studying, using evidence from work completed during the programme and the year out placement, or once you are in employment. If you have completed a relevant approved or accredited qualification you may be exempt from some elements of the POP.
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