Level 4 Construction Site Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Guide

Two Level 4 Construction Site Engineering Technician Apprentices

Are you a school leaver or just want a change of career? Do you have an interest in Engineering? Have you ever wanted to work on a construction site? If yes then read our complete guide to the Level 4 Construction Site Engineering Technician Apprenticeship below.

What is the job role of a Level 4 Construction Site Engineering Technician Apprentice and what are the entry requirements?

The job role of a Level 4 Construction Site Engineering Technician Apprenticeship involves being responsible for civil engineering technical solutions. This involves coordinating, managing and providing technical planning, design, building and maintenance of:

  • The built environment (For example; public spaces, schools, offices and museums)
  • Infrastructure (For example; roads, rail, bridges, tunnels, ports and airports)
  • Waste management, marine and coastal engineering (For example; irrigation systems, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), flood, river and coastal defences)
  • Water and power supplies (For example; utilities, hydropower, power stations, nuclear plants and on and offshore wind farms)

To do this construction site engineering technician apprentices will need to use a mix of technical knowledge with scientific principles and theories. They will also need to be active in proposing numerous suitable techniques, procedures and methods to undertake and deliver civil engineering solutions.

In their day-to-day work, construction site engineering technicians will coordinate with their manager to confirm the work plan for the day, agree and discuss individual and team responsibilities as well as delve into budgets and resources to support the wider plans across civil engineering projects. They will work with a multitude of different people from different backgrounds such as contractors, project managers, clients and consultancies.

The specific requirements to apply for the role of a Level 4 Construction Site Engineering Technician Apprentice are specific to each employer, however, generally, you will need 5 or more GCSEs including Maths, English and Science. If you don’t possess these qualifications then don’t let that stop you from applying! Many employers will look at any previous work experience you have or any other qualifications. Before taking the End Point Assessment (EPA) you will need to have a Level 2 qualification in English and Maths. Although, again, if you do not currently have these qualifications some employers can help you achieve these so don’t be discouraged to apply.

What will my day-to-day duties involve as a Level 4 Construction Site Engineering Technician Apprentice?

The day-to-day duties of a Level 4 Construction Site Engineering Technician Apprentice include but are not limited to:

  • Propose civil engineering solutions to well-defined technical problems.
  • Deliver appropriate and effective technical civil engineering solutions.
  • Manage civil engineering tasks and supervise team members.
  • Contribute to the design of civil engineering systems.
  • Use a range of practical and workshop skills.
  • Use analytical and engineering analysis software.
  • Ensure compliance with health, safety & welfare requirements.
  • Ensure compliance with equality, diversity & inclusion (EDI) and ethical standards, recognising the importance of these in the workplace.
  • Identify, evaluate and mitigate risks associated with their own work.
  • Comply with relevant policies, standards, regulations, legislation, strategies, technical guidance, and codes of practice.
  • Comply with environmental policies and legislation.
  • Use quality and information management.
  • Communicate and liaise effectively with own project team.
  • Work reliably and effectively independently without close supervision.
  • Plan and maintain their own learning and skills development by carrying out continuing professional development.

All of these duties will help the apprentice with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to gain their Level 4 Construction Site Engineering Technician Apprenticeship qualification.

Three male Construction Site Engineering Technician Apprentices
Source: Flikr

What is an EPA and how will I earn my apprenticeship qualification?

The Level 4 Construction Site Engineering Technician Apprenticeship programme typically runs for 36 months and the apprentice will be studying and working at the same time. Most of the time, 80% of your time will be spent working and 20% will be spent studying so generally employers will give their apprentice one day a week which is completely dedicated to their studies.

Over the 36 months, apprentices will work towards completing a portfolio which will form part of their End Point Assessment (EPA). The EPA is the final assessment that will decide the apprentice’s grade and it is formed of two sections:

Portfolio of evidence:

  • The apprentice must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship.
  • The portfolio will typically contain 12 discrete pieces of evidence.
  • The portfolio of evidence should not include reflective accounts or any methods of self-assessment.

Technical project report and presentation with questioning:

This assessment method has 2 components:

Component 1 – Project with a project output:

  • The apprentice’s project can be based on any of the following; a specific problem or a recurring issue.
  • The project output must be in the form of a report.
  • The apprentice may work as part of a team to complete the project which could include technical internal or external support. However, the project output must be the apprentice’s own work and reflective of their own role and contribution. 
  • The project report has a word count of 3500 words. A tolerance of 10% above or below the word count is allowed at the apprentice’s discretion.

Component 2 – Presentation with questions:

  • In the presentation with questions, the apprentice delivers a presentation to two independent assessors on a set subject. The independent assessors must ask questions following the presentation.
  • The presentation must include; an overview of the project, the project scope (including key performance indicators), a summary of actions undertaken by the apprentice, project outcomes and how these were achieved.

To get a headstart on the EPA process you can use the link below to download a EPA interview tips handbook:

The apprentice will then be given a grade which will be either Fail. Pass or Distinction. If the apprentice passes they will be a fully qualified Level 4 Construction Site Engineering Technician, a qualification that is professionally recognised by the Engineering Council (EngTech) .

What happens after I finish my Level 4 Construction Site Engineering Technician Apprenticeship?

After an apprentice finishes their Level 4 Construction Site Engineering Technician Apprenticeship they are then a fully qualified construction site engineer! Some employers may offer the apprentice a full-time permanent role while others may offer their qualified apprentice to apply for the role in their business if there is a job opening. If neither of these is an option for the apprentice then they can use their 36 months of experience and qualifications to apply to other jobs.

Conclusion

Gaining a Level 4 Construction Site Engineering Technician qualification will be incredible for the future of a school leaver or a great career change! You learn invaluable life skills whilst doing an apprenticeship and you also build up a network of people around you who will help support you through your career. Doing this apprenticeship gives you a step ahead of the rest as you have real-life experience to back you up so you have set yourself up for a successful career!

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