Civil Engineering Apprentice

Sunderland City Council

Sunderland (SR1 3AD)

Closes in 14 days (Friday 6 March 2026)

Posted on 19 February 2026


Summary

Sunderland City Council is proud of its strong commitment to apprenticeships and training. As a Civil Engineering Apprentice, you’ll be supported every step of the way, gaining real-world experience while developing the skills you need to build a successful career in the industry.

 

Wage

£16,939 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

First year - £8.78 per hour

Second year and beyond will then increase to £10.00 per hour if aged between 18-20 or £12.21 if aged 21and over

Training course
Civil engineering technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (with the option to work flexibly).

37 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration

3 years 7 months

Positions available

6

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

  • Supporting colleagues in the design and delivery of highways, structures, flooding and coastal schemes
  • Helping to prepare plans, drawings and technical documents
  • Managing day-to-day correspondence linked to civil engineering projects
  • Assisting with feasibility studies and option appraisals for potential traffic schemes
  • Carrying out site surveys such as speed surveys and traffic counts
  • Following a structured apprenticeship programme to achieve a professional Civil Engineering qualification

Where you'll work

Plater Way
Sunderland
SR1 3AD

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

NEW COLLEGE DURHAM

Training course

Civil engineering technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Apply appropriate civil engineering principles, techniques, and methods, including mathematical, scientific, and technical know-how, to civil engineering and the construction process
  • Apply key principles, techniques and methods of data and technical information collection, analysis, and evaluation to support the delivery of civil engineering models, designs, and technical solutions
  • Operate appropriate software packages for data gathering and analysis, such as Computer Aided Design (CAD) or Building Information Modelling (BIM), to create technical drawings, models and designs using relevant conventions and engineering terminology
  • Apply statutory health, safety and welfare policies, procedures, and regulations in the civil engineering environment, using risk management processes, procedures, and documentation
  • Support and contribute to the production or modification of civil engineering technical solutions in accordance with relevant industry standards, regulations, and procedures and codes of practice
  • Apply environmental policies and sustainable principles in civil engineering projects, recognising the need to reduce carbon use, lower emissions and plan for wider sustainability
  • Plan, carry out and manage own work in line with quality assurance, recognising the wider implications to customer needs, and within cost and resource limitations
  • Consider equality, diversity and inclusion in the delivery of civil engineering projects
  • Apply document control processes and procedures using the approved processes, maintaining quality compliance when creating or amending engineering documentation
  • Communicate using appropriate methods for the audience, and incorporate relevant and appropriate terms, standards, and data
  • Apply ethical principles to civil engineering projects, including the secure use of data and information
  • Plan, undertake and review their own professional competence, regularly updating and reviewing their CPD to improve performance
  • Apply appropriate civil engineering principles, techniques, and methods, including mathematical, scientific, and technical know-how, to civil engineering and the construction process
  • Apply key principles, techniques and methods of data and technical information collection, analysis, and evaluation to support the delivery of civil engineering models, designs, and technical solutions
  • Operate appropriate software packages for data gathering and analysis, such as Computer Aided Design (CAD) or Building Information Modelling (BIM), to create technical drawings, models and designs using relevant conventions and engineering terminology
  • Apply statutory health, safety and welfare policies, procedures, and regulations in the civil engineering environment, using risk management processes, procedures, and documentation
  • Support and contribute to the production or modification of civil engineering technical solutions in accordance with relevant industry standards, regulations, and procedures and codes of practice
  • Apply environmental policies and sustainable principles in civil engineering projects, recognising the need to reduce carbon use, lower emissions and plan for wider sustainability
  • Plan, carry out and manage own work in line with quality assurance, recognising the wider implications to customer needs, and within cost and resource limitations
  • Consider equality, diversity and inclusion in the delivery of civil engineering projects
  • Apply document control processes and procedures using the approved processes, maintaining quality compliance when creating or amending engineering documentation
  • Communicate using appropriate methods for the audience, and incorporate relevant and appropriate terms, standards, and data
  • Apply ethical principles to civil engineering projects, including the secure use of data and information
  • Plan, undertake and review their own professional competence, regularly updating and reviewing their CPD to improve performance

Training schedule

This training schedule has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade Grades A*–C / 9–4)
  • Maths (grade Grades A*–C / 9–4)
  • Science (grade Grades A*–C / 9–4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Team working
  • Methodical approach
  • Genuine interest in civil eng

About this employer

Sunderland is a city full of ambition, and Sunderland City Council is a brilliant place to grow your career. We’re passionate about creating the best possible environment for our employees, communities, and local businesses to thrive. With around 2,500 employees delivering a wide range of services across the city, we offer opportunities at every level and in many different areas. Whether you’re just starting out in employment or looking for your next challenge, every role plays a vital part in helping us provide excellent services for the people of Sunderland. Come and be part of something meaningful and help shape the future of our city.

https://www.northeastjobs.org.uk/job/Civil_Engineering_Apprentice/291910 (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • Access to Pension Scheme
  • 26 days leave + bank hols
  • Statutory & organisational sick pay
  • 3 days paid leave per year for voluntary work
  • Employee wellbeing support
  • Discounted public transport travel pass

Disability Confident

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

Civil Engineering Technician.

Civil Engineer.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

NEW COLLEGE DURHAM

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000016523.

Apply now

Closes in 14 days (Friday 6 March 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.