Civil Engineering Senior Technician Apprenticeship Standard ST0046
Roads, bridges, railways and flood defences
An apprenticeship is a real, paid job. The apprentice works for an employer and trains with us at the same time, and comes out with a nationally recognised qualification and the experience to go with it.
The short answer
What an apprentice needs
Entry Requirements
We welcome applications from individuals with a passion for construction and a desire to build a career in quantity surveying or estimation.
Typical entry requirements include:
- A minimum of 32 UCAS Tariff points
- Achieved through one or more of the following:
- BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma, or Subsidiary Diploma
- Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- One A Level in a relevant subject (e.g. maths, science, geography)
No Traditional Qualifications? We Still Want to Hear from You!
At UCNL, we’re committed to widening participation and creating pathways into education for people from all walks of life.
If you don’t meet the standard academic requirements but have relevant industry experience or have been out of formal education for some time, we’ll still consider your application.
Each application is reviewed individually, and we’ll provide advice and guidance to help you understand your options.
Key Information:
- Minimum age: You must be 18 or over at the time of enrolment.
- September 2025 intake: Enrolment starts week commencing.
- Applicants under 21: Must have a minimum of 32 UCAS points to meet entry requirements. Not sure what your qualifications are worth? We can help you calculate your UCAS points.
Ready to start your journey into the world of Civil Engineering? Apply now or get in touch for personalised guidance.
The employer sets the real bar, so treat this as a guide. If somebody is close but not quite there, it is still worth the conversation.
What they’ll learn
Supporting engineers in both office and site environments, turning complex plans into structures that get built.
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They will support the design and delivery of real infrastructure
Planning, design and delivery of engineering projects, working closely with civil engineers, contractors and project managers.
Covers project planning, design support, delivery, working with contractors and project managers
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They will produce the drawings and models
Technical drawings and 3D models using CAD software, to the accuracy the rest of the project depends on.
Covers technical drawings, 3D modelling, CAD software
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They will get out on site and collect what is actually there
Assisting in site investigations and data collection, then monitoring construction progress and checking it against the design.
Covers site investigations, data collection, monitoring progress, design compliance
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They will contribute to risk and environmental work
Risk assessments and environmental impact studies, which on infrastructure projects are not paperwork exercises.
Covers risk assessment, environmental impact studies, technical compliance
Nobody springs anything on anyone
Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC in Civil Engineering The HNC is assessed through a series of coursework-based assignments. These are designed to test your understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of quantity surveying. Assessment methods typically include: Written assignments and reports Practical tasks and scenario-based problem solving Project work Presentations and group work Technical drawings and cost plans Each unit is graded as Pass, Merit, or Distinction, and you’ll complete a set number of core and specialist units over the 3-year programme. End Point Assessment (EPA) The EPA is the final stage of your apprenticeship and confirms that you’re fully competent in your role. It’s conducted by an independent End Point Assessment Organisation and includes two key components: 1 Work-Based Project with Report and Presentation You’ll complete a real-world project related to your day-to-day responsibilities. Submit a detailed written report Deliver a professional presentation to showcase your findings, approach, and outcomes Demonstrates your ability to apply knowledge and solve real problems in a construction setting 2 Professional Discussion (Supported by Portfolio) A structured interview with an assessor, based on your portfolio of evidence built during the apprenticeship. Reflects your development of Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) Allows you to discuss your contributions to projects, your decision-making, and how you’ve met the standard’s expectations Grading You must pass all three components to successfully complete the apprenticeship. Final grading is awarded as: Pass Distinction
Coursework and portfolio
Work launched in class and completed in the job, building the evidence the assessor will look at.
A review with you
The employer, the apprentice and the tutor. Half an hour. Progress, targets, and anything getting in the way.
A full mock
Marked by a tutor who is not theirs, so the feedback is honest and the real thing holds no surprises.
What it takes, on both sides
If you're the employer
- A real role that covers the standard. Your Employer Relationship Officer will check it before anyone enrols.
- Time released for teaching, on a timetable you'll have from day one.
- Half an hour every 8 to 10 weeks for a three-way review.
- Your say-so when the apprentice is ready for their final assessment.
If you want to be the apprentice
- A job. An apprenticeship is employment, so you need an employer before you can start.
- Already working in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
- An initial skills scan with us, so we know where you're starting from.
- No employer yet? That's the usual starting point, and finding one is the part we help with.
This is a step, not a destination
Successful completion of the apprentice can lead to progression onto Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Civil Engineering. Or alternatively progression to a Degree Apprenticeship
Not sure what comes after this one? Tell us the role and we'll tell you honestly which of our apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships or university-level courses fits next.
Where this course can take you
- Before you start
- This course Level 4
- Further study
Check you have what you need in the entry requirements.
Not sure? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.
Careers it can lead to
- Building and Civil Engineering Technicians £30,700 a year
- Engineering Technicians £39,700 a year
- Electrical and Electronics Technicians £31,000 a year
- Planning, Process and Production Technicians £39,700 a year
See all 13 careers
- Science, Engineering and Production Technicians £35,100 a year
- Construction and Building Trades £27,500 a year
- IT Operations Technicians £33,400 a year
With further study or experience
- Civil Engineers £48,200 a year
- Electrical Engineers £55,000 a year
- Electronics Engineers £47,700 a year
- Engineering Professionals £41,400 a year
- Mechanical Engineers £46,400 a year
- Production and Process Engineers £44,100 a year
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
How to start this apprenticeship
It takes two, an employer and an apprentice. Pick your side.
Put someone on this programme
Recruiting, or formalising the training of someone already in post? Start with a conversation. We'll check the role, sort the funding, and get them enrolled.
Speak to us today 01724 281111
Or advertise a vacancy through us and we'll handle the recruitment.
You'll need an employer first
An apprenticeship is a job, so an employer has to take you on before you can start. Already employed in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
No vacancy that suits? Register your interest and we'll tell you when one comes up.