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Geotechnicians collect and analyse geological data from rock, soil and water samples for use in construction, mining and engineering.
You could work: evenings / weekends; occasionally
As a geotechnician, you could:
You may need to wear protective clothing.
You could work in a laboratory or visit sites.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and dirty.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a higher national diploma, foundation degree or degree in a relevant subject like:
You'll usually need:
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include:
You may be able to apply to do a Laboratory Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
You could also apply to do a Geoscientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, if you have the right entry requirements.
To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:
You may be able to start as an assistant technician with a company and work your way up through training and promotion.
To do this, you'll need a minimum of 5 GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), and 2 A levels, including maths and sciences. Equivalent qualifications may be accepted like the Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science.
Work experience in the field or a laboratory could give you an advantage when applying for courses and jobs. For example, you could join your local geological group or contact companies listed in The Geologist Directory to find out about potential work placements.
You'll need to:
You could join The Geological Society for professional development opportunities and to make contacts in the industry.
You can get more advice about careers and training in geoscience from The Geological Society.
With experience, you could train to qualify as a geoscientist.
You may wish to specialise in particular area of geoscience, for example:environmental engineering; hydrogeology; mining and quarrying
You could also work as a laboratory technician or science teacher in a school, college or university.
You could get recognition of your technical skills by registering with the Science Council as a Registered Science Technician (RSciTech).
Work experience in the field or a laboratory may give you an advantage when applying for courses and jobs. For example, you could join your local geological group or contact companies listed in The Geologist Directory to find out about work placement opportunities.
The Geological Society has information about getting work experience.
You can get recognition of your technical skills by registering with the Science Council as a Registered Science Technician (RSciTech).
You can get more advice about careers and training in geoscience from The Geological Society.