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Civil Engineering Senior Technician Apprenticeship - Level 4

Are you an industry professional looking to be retrained in one of these specialist areas? Want to study locally? Then why not apply now to join a diverse, fun, and professional environment at South Thames College for our Civil Engineering Senior Technician Apprenticeship.

We are pleased to announce that BTEC Higher Nationals have been accredited by the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE). Skills England works with employers and industry partners to develop and maintain apprenticeship standards and technical qualifications, ensuring they reflect the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by industry.

The Pearson BTEC Level 4 BTEC Higher National Certificate in Civil Engineering provides a solid foundation in construction and the built environment, vendor accredited certification and Professional Body membership, upon which students can build; should they decide to continue their studies beyond the Certificate stage.

  • Introductory Course Info HE


    The course runs one day a week throughout the academic year, with delivery of four units per academic year.

  • Entry Requirements


    Entry Requirements

    To apply, you should have GCSE Maths and English grade 5 or above and one of the following:

    • A Level 3 qualification in Construction and the Built Environment or a related subject.

    • A Levels, including Mathematics or Physics

    • Another relevant Level 3 qualification.

    • An Access to Higher Education Diploma from a recognised college or training provider.

    • Relevant industry or work experience.

    • An international qualification equivalent to any of the above.

    You must also be employed in a Civil Engineering role.

  • Course Content


    This course is comprised of Eight mandatory and optional units as follows.

    Core (Mandatory) Units:

    • Unit 1 Individual Project (Pearson Set)

    • Unit 3 Science & Materials

    • Unit 4 Construction Practice and Management

    • Unit 8 Mathematics for Construction

    • Unit 17 Civil Engineering Technology

    • Unit 19 Principles of Structural Design

    Optional Units:

    • Unit 7 Surveying, Measuring & Setting-out

    • Unit 6 Construction Information (Drawing, Detailing, Specification)

    In each year four units are delivered. During the first two years, the apprentices will develop the necessary Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours to be a competent Senior Civil Engineering Technician. In the final stage of their programme, (year 3), the apprentices will embark on the preparation for the End Point Assessment which is assessed by Institution of Civil Engineering.

    For more information on the EPA Assessment method, please visit

    Civil Engineering Senior Technician Guidance

  • Progression Next Steps


    Progression opportunities include the Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) in Building Services Engineering, following either the Electrical or HVAC pathway, depending on the pathway completed at HNC level, or direct entry into the second year of a related university degree programme (subject to individual university entry requirements).

  • Additional Information


    Click on the Apply link on this page to start the application process if you are in or have secured suitable employment for the Apprenticeship.

    For further guidance and information if you are not currently employed in a suitable role please have a look at [Apprenticeship FAQs] (https://stcg.ac.uk/students/apprenticeships-faqs)

    If you are an employer and interested in any of our Apprenticeships for your staff, please email our dedicated Business Partnerships Team at business@stcg.ac.uk

  • Course Structure


    The units of Higher Nationals Certificate in Civil Engineering are at Level 4 UK Framework band. These units lay the foundation of learning by providing a broad introduction to construction and different civil engineering functions. This strengthens core skills, while preparing students for specialist subjects at Level 5 or to enter employment with the qualities necessary for job roles that require some personal responsibility.

    By the end of Level 4, students will have sound knowledge of the basic concepts of construction. They will be competent in a range of subject-specific skills as well as in general skills and qualities relevant to key areas of construction.

    This course incorporates:

    • Effectively planned trips, with a direct relevance to the syllabus, which would add value to the learning experience.

      • Employer links:
    • Guest speaker Experts from industry or visiting academics in the subject area that is being studied.

    • Workshops are used to build on knowledge shared via tutors and seminars.
  • Assessment Details


    Methods of teaching includes lectures, tutorials, workshops, and supervised study, as well as online teaching.

    • For the HNC (Level 4), each unit entails 15-credit, which will be assessed by centre-devised internal assignments. In addition, Unit 1-Individual Project is a Pearson-set assignment targeted at skills, the theme of which be set by the awarding body.

    • An assessment schedule will be delivered in the beginning of the course.
  • Teaching and Learning


    Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical workshops, case studies, project-based activities, employer-led discussions, and digital learning resources. Students are encouraged to actively participate in learning activities that reflect real industry challenges and workplace scenarios, helping them develop the skills required for professional practice.

    Learning is supported through a combination of guided learning and independent study. Guided learning includes tutor-led sessions, workshops, webinars, tutorials, and supervised activities, while independent learning enables students to develop research skills, technical knowledge, self-management, and professional responsibility through reading, investigation, reflection, and preparation for assessments.