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Civil Engineering Technician/Draughtsperson

Kaihangarau/Kaihoahoa Mataaro Metarahi

Civil engineering technicians/draughtspeople plan and draw the technical details for building and repairing roads, bridges, buildings and other structures.

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Secondary education

To gain entry to the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (NZDE) course, it is recommended that you have a minimum of 48 NCEA credits at Level 2 in four subjects, including at least 12 credits in maths. Physics is also highly recommended, and technology subjects may be useful.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Diploma

Useful experience

Useful experience for civil engineering technicians/draughtspeople includes:

  • work in engineering or construction
  • work with tools and machinery
  • draughting experience.

A good way to gain industry experience is to do a cadetship or get part-time work with an engineering firm.

What you will do

Civil engineering technicians/draughtspeople may do some or all of the following:

  • plan and design structures such as roads, buildings and bridges
  • make detailed drawings of structures using computer-aided design (CAD) software
  • prepare construction plans that include budgets, costs and timetables
  • check on the progress of civil engineering projects and supervise maintenance and repair work
  • discuss and report design, planning or construction problems with engineers
  • direct, perform and analyse field and laboratory testing of sites and materials
  • consult with private clients, government agencies, contractors and other professionals.

Skills and knowledge

Civil engineering technicians/draughtspeople need to have:

  • knowledge of civil engineering practices and draughting ability
  • knowledge of building methods and materials
  • skill in analysing and interpreting information such as client requirements, plans and designs
  • computer skills, including the ability to use computer-aided design (CAD) software
  • knowledge of relevant legislation and processes such as the Resource Management Act, the New Zealand Building Code, local by-laws and town planning regulations.
Pay

Civil engineering technicians/draughtspeople with one to four years' experience usually earn

$50K-$70K

per year

Civil engineering technicians/draughtspeople with more than four years' experience usually earn

$70K-$110K

per year

Job opportunities
Good
Chances of getting a job as a civil engineering technician/draughtsperson are good due to a shortage of workers.
Length of training
1-2
years of training usually required.

Industry

Engineering

Civil engineering technicians/draughtspeople plan and draw the technical details for building and repairing roads, bridges, buildings and other structures.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

Civil engineering technician

To become a civil engineering technician you need to complete a New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (NZDE) – Civil Engineering. This qualification takes two years of full-time study to complete.

Alternatively, some companies offer cadetships, so you can study part time towards the diploma while working.

Once on the job, civil engineering technicians can work towards completing the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering Practice (NZDEP). This leads to certification as an engineering technician and chartered membership of Engineering New Zealand

Civil engineering draughtsperson

Employers prefer to hire civil engineering draughtspeople with experience in specific CAD (computer-aided design) software. Alternatively, you may be able to complete a diploma in CAD.

A New Zealand Diploma in Engineering is not necessary to become a draughtsperson, but it is useful. 

Chances of getting a job

Shortage of civil engineering technicians/draughtspeople

Opportunities for civil engineering technicians/draughtspeople are good due to a shortage of workers, and high demand for their services.

The roles of civil engineering technician and civil engineering draughtsperson both appear on Immigration New Zealand's construction and infrastructure skill shortage list. Civil engineering technician also appears on Immigration New Zealand's long-term skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled civil engineering technicians/draughtspeople from overseas to work in New Zealand.

According to the Census, 969 civil engineering technicians and 264 civil engineering draughtspeople worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Range of factors contribute to demand for civil engineering technicians/draughtspeople

Demand for civil engineering technicians/draughtspeople is expected to remain strong due to increased government investment in infrastructure projects such as:

  • road, rail and bridge maintenance and development
  • river engineering
  • wastewater management.

Types of employers varied

Most civil engineering technicians/draughtspeople work for:

  • private engineering consultancies
  • construction firms
  • government agencies such as NZ Transport Agency
  • infrastructure and utility companies such as railway and electricity companies.

Find out more about training

Connexis
(07) 834 3038 - www.connexis.org.nz
Engineering New Zealand
(04) 473 9444 - hello@engineeringnz.org - www.engineeringnz.org
NZ Institute of Highway Technology (NZIHT)
(06) 759 7065 - admin@nziht.co.nz - www.nziht.co.nz

Progression and specialisations

Civil engineering technicians/draughtspeople can progress within an engineering firm to partner level.

Some become civil engineers by completing a Bachelor of Engineering Technology or a Bachelor of Engineering. Courses completed for the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering can often be cross-credited towards a degree.

Civil engineering technicians may progress to become building and construction managers.

They may also specialise in areas such as water supply, roading and structural engineering.

Working conditions

Civil engineering technicians/draughtspeople:

  • usually work regular business hours, but may also work evenings and weekends
  • work in offices and at building sites
  • may travel to work on engineering projects around New Zealand or overseas.

Physical Requirements

Civil engineering technicians/draughtspeople need to be reasonably fit as they may have to walk long distances to work sites, and carry equipment.

Useful personal qualities

Civil engineering technicians/draughtspeople need to be:

  • good at problem solving
  • organised and responsible
  • practical, methodical and accurate
  • able to make good judgements
  • able to work well under pressure.

Related Wintec courses

Industry

Engineering

Civil engineering technicians/draughtspeople plan and draw the technical details for building and repairing roads, bridges, buildings and other structures.

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