Building technician
Source materials, negotiate with suppliers and make sure every build runs smoothly from start to finish. You'll balance budgets and quality to help each project stand out.
Also known as: site technician, construction estimator
About the job
What it's like
Are you looking for a hands-on role in the construction industry? Building technicians keep workplaces, schools and public spaces running smoothly. You'll make sure buildings are safe, comfortable and well maintained.
As a building technician, you'll tackle repairs, check systems and respond to issues as they arise. It’s a rewarding role if you like solving problems and seeing the results of your work straight away.
You may fix heating systems, test fire alarms or inspect lifts. Building technicians work in offices, hospitals, schools, shopping centres and factories. Some specialise in areas like electrical systems, plumbing or air conditioning.
You’ll often work as part of a facilities team, but sometimes you’ll be the go-to expert for a whole building. There’s plenty of variety and you’ll rarely have two days the same!
Your tasks might include:
checking and maintaining heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
inspecting and repairing electrical wiring and lighting
responding to urgent maintenance requests
testing fire alarms and emergency systems
carrying out routine safety checks and risk assessments
keeping records of repairs and maintenance work
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You might:
improve energy efficiency by maintaining heating and lighting systems
support recycling and waste reduction in buildings
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Chartered Association of Building Engineers — search job openings and subscribe to new posting notifications
Construction Industry Training Board — training and qualifications in construction
Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) — industry news and professional development
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Energy -
Construction and built environment
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.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- negotiating
- delegating
- time management
- managing resources
- developing a plan
- problem solving
- creative
- verbal communication
- cooperating
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 each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Design and Manufacture
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Engineering Science
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Practical Craft Skills
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Skills for Work: Building Services Engineering
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
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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.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Construction
Constuction Professional
Construction: Building
Discover Modern Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Construction Management
Built Environment
Civil Engineering
Architectural Technology
Building Services Engineering
Check out My World of Work's course search.
Once employed, depending on your duties, you could take a range of work-based qualifications:
National Vocational Qualification Diploma in Construction Site Supervision (NVQ level 3)
Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations (NVQ level 3)
Diploma in Construction Site Management (NVQ level 6)
Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations Management (NVQ level 6)
If you work in construction you may be able to qualify up to technician level with further on-the-job training.
Staff on construction sites must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent. You will need to pass a health and safety test to qualify for this scheme.
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