Who is an architectural technician

Subjects include:. You could do a college course, which could teach you some of the skills you'll need in this job. Examples include:. They may accept equivalent qualifications in engineering or construction, for example the Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Constructing the Built Environment.

It can help if you've got experience in the construction industry and knowledge of computer-aided design. 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.

With experience you could work towards Associate or Affiliate membership of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists. The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available. Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you. Call or use webchat. Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.

Tell us whether you accept cookies We use cookies to collect information about how you use the National Careers Service. Studying a course accredited by the CIAT is advantageous, as it means that the programme has been assessed in terms of content, structure, resources and has met the institute's requirements.

It also means that a candidate will receive exemptions when qualifying to become a chartered architectural technologist, MCIAT. Entry with an HNC or HND in construction, architectural technology or building studies, or a foundation degree in architectural technology is normally via the technician route and can lead to Associate membership of CIAT.

Search for postgraduate courses in architectural studies. Relevant work experience is extremely valuable and will help you to understand how a design or architecture practice operates and how projects are handled. Some courses include a placement year in industry, but otherwise opportunities for vacation work and placements can be found through university departments, recruitment agencies, CIAT publications, industry magazines and websites.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available. It's also possible to apply your skills within manufacturing and processing industries and health and government agencies.

Once you've attained MCIAT status and gained considerable experience, self-employment can be a good option. There are opportunities to work abroad, including jobs with UK-based architectural practices who have international contracts or overseas offices, or with some government departments. You may also find vacancies with specialist recruitment agencies, such as Hays Construction and Hunter Dunning.

Graduates from relevant higher education courses, who have registered for student membership of CIAT, are eligible to upgrade their membership to the associate level and to use the letters ACIAT after their name. Associate membership is not available to self-employed applicants, who instead, have to register as a profile candidate - Type B.

The most important step in your career as an architectural technologist is to become a chartered member of CIAT. Chartered architectural technologists are on a par with other chartered professionals. As well as your subject knowledge, you'll also need to develop a range of other skills. These are normally gained on the job and sometimes with employer-sponsored short courses. You'll also need to undertake continuing professional development CPD , through in-house or external courses, to develop interpersonal skills, design skills, computer skills and technical drawing skills.

Management is a key part of the role, and you may choose to develop this further by studying for qualifications in subjects such as business, construction management and project management.

The size of the employer you work for, and the type of work you undertake, can greatly influence your career prospects and development. Larger organisations generally offer more structured opportunities for promotion to supervisory and management positions, but smaller architectural practices can sometimes offer greater responsibility early on, as well as the chance to gain skills and experience across a range of specialist areas.

However, to gain promotion or to increase salary, it may be necessary to move between employers or change location. As so much of the work is project based, it's sometimes possible to move into areas that are not construction based, for example into other areas of industry and commerce. You could complete an apprenticeship to become an architectural technician or architectural technologist.

An apprenticeship with an architectural practice or construction company is a good way into the industry. You could train to become a digital engineering technician or do an advanced apprenticeship in built environment and design.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider. You could apply directly to an architectural company if you have an interest or previous experience in this type of work. You could start your career as an architectural assistant and complete qualifications part-time to help you become an architectural technician or technologist.

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as an architectural technician. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as an architectural technician include:. An architectural technician is responsible for supporting an architectural project from concept to completion. They help to provide technical building models, created using current technology and traditional methods.

The different demands of an architectural technician mean that every day is different. Duties include:. Need advice on careers and apprenticeships? Search permanent and contract roles, find apprenticeships. As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

As an architectural technician, you could progress in your career to become an architectural technologist, which requires a slightly broader range of skills. You could specialise to work as a building modelling information BIM technician or continue studying to become a fully qualified architect.

Warning Javascript is turned off For the best experience please use a JavaScript enabled browser. Home Construction careers What jobs are right for me? Architectural technician. Architectural technician Architectural technologist Architectural technicians specialise in presenting building designs using technology.