Overview

Built for design

Construction and Design Technicians coordinate and manage the design work required during construction. They understand the DNA of a building, from how it’s composed to the materials and technical specifications required to transform a client brief or design into a functioning, safe and future-proof building.

On this apprenticeship, employees will develop these competencies and work with a wide range of design and analysis software used to share complex information with stakeholders. On successful completion of this apprenticeship, individuals can apply to become a Technical Member of the Chartered Institute of Building (TechCIOB).

Reasons why apprenticeship is for you

Apprentices will:

Develop the in-demand technical and digital skills

Acquire the expertise and language to work confidently

Explore and contextualise building laws and regulations

Understand sustainable best practice in the sector

About this apprenticeship

What can you expect?

This Level 4 apprenticeship is a gateway to a professional career within the construction industry. In their studies, apprentices will gain the technical underpinning, digital literacy and practical skills needed to manage the whole life cycle of a built asset, from initial design all the way through to construction.

The academic learning is complimented by the wide range of knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) learnt through practical experience provided by employers. Whether it be analysing client requirements, identifying the environmental impact of a job, or implementing solutions for construction projects, the learning provided by employers will significantly support the success of this apprenticeship.

End-point assessment

This on-the-job training is vital for apprentices to pass the end point assessment (EPA) of this apprenticeship. This EPA will be delivered by the CIOB and assessed via an online test, project and a professional discussion. 

This standard aligns with the professional recognition needed by CIOB and CIAT. UCEM is planning to seek accreditation* for the following: 

  • The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) for TechCIOB
  • Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists for Associate of CIAT

Structure

Award

On successful completion, students will be awarded:

  • Certificate of Higher Education Construction and Built Environment
  • Apprenticeship Completion Certificate

Delivery structure

This apprenticeship will be delivered online and include guided discussions and workshops as well as independent learning and reading.

Development of the required knowledge, skills and behaviours for all apprenticeships happens through a combination of workplace training provided by the employer and off-the job training provided by UCEM.

The apprenticeship is 120 credits, plus an End Point Assessment (EPA). The employer must be able to provide their apprentices with relevant workplace experience for the requirements of the EPA to be met.

Modules you will study

Year 1

Introduction to the Built Environment 1

Appreciate how legal, political and social issues shape our sector and its role in the economy. Understand the project lifecycle and the RIBA Plan of Work. Identify the industry’s stakeholders and professions and your chosen profession’s key responsibilities in meeting client objectives.

Introduction to Sustainability

Explore the causes of climate change and the challenges of sustainable development, with particular focus on the construction and property sector. Examine the relationship between property and the environment along with the criteria used to measure sustainability in relation to finished construction projects.

Construction Technology 1

Establish a foundation knowledge of buildings, the environment and technology, also considering them from a sustainability perspective. Develop your communication skills and construction literacy with real-world examples of construction projects, including traditional masonry and roof construction.

Introduction to Construction Practice

Develop an understanding of the management, resourcing and supervision of construction processes. Consider the impact of time, cost, quality and sustainability on a project and recognise the importance of financial controls and monitoring progress against planned schedules and budgets.

Year 2

Introduction to Regulatory and Built Environment Law

Dive into the legal and regulatory requirements that relate to the construction and property sector, along with the legal environment in the context of planning, design and occupation and health and safety as it relates to both design and construction activity.

Design Development and Production Coordination

Develop a holistic understanding of the architectural design process against the backdrop of compliance with industry standards for effective coordination and communication. Combine your manual and digital skills through the use of software, media and information technology.

Course Leaders

Programme leader

Marc Fleming

BSc PGDip MSc MCIAT

Marc is a Chartered Architectural Technologist and has a BSc in Architectural Technology and an MSc in Advanced Architectural Design from The Robert Gordon University where his thesis focussed on the algorithmic design of physical estates and infrastructure based on multi-objective optimisation. Prior to entering academia, Marc worked for a range of private architectural practices, including local authority, working on a diverse range of public and private projects ranging from new school buildings to domestic retrofits.

Online learning

The future of study

1 2 3 4 5

Flexible study

Balance your study, work and home commitments, all while working towards your career goals

e-Library access

Full access to a comprehensive and valuable e-library with a wealth of resources to support your studies

Interactive

Study using a diverse range of interactive, modern and dynamic learning resources

Expert-led

Learning activities that have been designed by UCEM tutors and subject matter experts

Stay connected

Learn alongside a diverse community of students from all over the world

Time commitment and study breakdown

Studying two modules per semester requires an expected time commitment of 15-20 hours per week. If you study only one module per semester, the weekly time commitment will be less, depending on the module’s credit size. Most modules are typically 20 credits.

45

Directed study time (%)

25

Self-directed study time (%)

30

Assessment study time (%)

Support

For your studies

Entry

Qualifications required

Academic requirements

64 UCAS tariff points or equivalent

English and mathematics requirements

GCSE Grade 4 (or C) or above in English and Mathematics* or equivalent qualification

* For students taking the award as part of an apprenticeship programme the English and maths at Level 4 requirement can be waived. However, apprentices in this situation will be required to:

  • Complete a Functional Skills assessments that shows they are working at Level 1 or above prior to admission; and
  • Complete Functional Skills qualifications at Level 2 as part of their apprenticeship.
Requirements of the apprenticeship
  • Apprentices must have the right to work in England and meet the Education and Skill Funding Agency (ESFA) residency status requirements
  • Spend at least 50% of their working hours in England
  • Be 18 years or over at the start of the programme and be directly employed in a job role that will enable the requirements of the apprenticeship to be achieved

Find out more about how apprenticeships work

Providing evidence

Evidence is required in the form of certificate or statements. You should send photocopies that have been verified by someone in a professional occupation.

Applications are assessed in accordance with the UCEM Code of Practice on Admissions and Recognition of Prior Learning.

SDG's

Sustainability

Sustainability

How does this apprenticeship align?

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the United Nation’s economic, social and environmental plan to achieve sustainable development. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) are central to this ambition, and must therefore be a critical part of built environment curriculums.

UCEM is currently undergoing an evaluation of how SDG’s relate to modules. This will be updated shortly.

Funding

and commitment

Time commitment for apprentices

The academic element of the apprenticeship requires 15-20 hours of study a week, based on studying two modules per semester. This is for a typical 20 credit module.

Time commitment for employers

You will need to provide your apprentice with the equivalent of one day off a week to study and to ensure that their job role enables them to fulfil the requirements of the apprenticeship.

Funding

The programme meets the criteria of the Construction Design and Build Technician Standard. Eligible organisations are able to use their levy fund for the £14,000 fees.

Why choose UCEM?

UCEM is a leading university for the built environment, providing flexible and accessible supported online education to all. Our commitment to become the most sustainable university in the world has led us to develop the way we teach, operate, and collaborate with others to ensure that sustainability is integrated into everything that we do.

Our apprenticeship offering is constantly growing to keep up with the demands of the sector. We are proud to have gained a reputation with our clients and industry partners for the excellent support we provide apprentices and employers.

  • Rated 13th in the top 50 apprenticeship providers, Rate My Apprenticeship
  • The largest provider of Chartered Surveyor apprenticeships, Gov.uk
  • 'Good' Ofsted rating, 2021
  • 91% of apprentices agreed that UCEM gave relevant training to help them perform their job better, ESFA
Case Studies Slide 2
Online learning is
the future

Find out how it's right for you and your studies.

Application process

For employers

If you’re interested in developing your workforce with this apprenticeship, then please get in touch with our Business Development Team who will be able to guide you through the application process and support with any queries. Find the right apprenticeship candidate for your role through UCAS Talent Finder.

For prospective apprentices

If you are considering an apprenticeship but are not currently employed, you will need to search for an apprenticeship before applying.

Application deadlines

Spring 2025

24 February 2025

Autumn 2025

25 August 2025

Contact us

To find out more about working with us you can email businessdevelopment@ucem.ac.uk or call one of our team.

You can also fill out the contact form below and someone will get back to you:


Meryl Bonser

Director of Business Development

+44 (0)7557 384942

Martin Cawley

Associate Director of Business Development

+44 (0)7747 030777