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L4 - Civil Engineering Senior Technician Apprenticeship Standard

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 L4 - Civil Engineering Senior Technician Apprenticeship Standard.

We are pleased to announce that BTEC Higher Nationals have been accredited by the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) and the Institution for Apprenticeship and Technical Education (IfaTE). CABE accreditation of the Higher National qualifications in Civil Engineering provides students with CABE Student Membership and recognises their HN qualification as contributing toward achievement of a full CABE membership. IfaTE work with employers to develop, approve, review and revise apprenticeships and technical qualifications.

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


    • BTEC Level 3 qualification in Construction and the Built Environment (or a related subject)
    • GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject; including Mathematics or Physics at A-Level. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades A* to 5 and/or 9 to 5 (or equivalent) in subjects such as Maths and English.
    • Other related Level 3 qualifications
    • Access to Higher Education Diploma awarded by an approved further education institution
    • Related work experience
    • International equivalent of the above.
    • Be in employment with a Civil Engineering Company
  • 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 Technitian Guidance

  • Progression Next Steps


    Either: Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Civil Engineering Or: Second year of University

  • 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 Apprenticeship team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  • 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.