Transport Planning Technician
Transport planning technicians assist transport planners and consultants to deliver projects. They may work on drawings and plans and may also be responsible for sending documentation to clients and managing incoming documentation for the project team. Technicians may also assist with data analysis tasks and with some computer modelling, as well as inputting information into relevant project software.Starting salaries for transport technicians can be between £15000 and £20000.
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Working environment
Most of a transport planning technician’s work takes place in an office, although they may occasionally accompany transport planners and consultants on site visits or when meeting clients. When on site they may be required to wear protective clothing such as high visibility jackets and hard hats.Transport planning technicians work approximately 38 hours a week, usually on weekdays with standard office hours. Some evening work may be required if the technician is required to attend a public meeting, which is more likely to be held out of office hours.
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Skills and interests
Transport planning technicians should have an interest in local development. They should have an understanding of the economy and social issues as well as of transport policy.Useful skills for transport planning technicians include:
- communication, both verbal and written
- IT including the ability to learn to use specific software quickly
- administrative skills
- organisation and planning.
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Entry into the role
Applicants for the role of transport planning technician need to have a good education, usually at least to A level (or equivalent) standard. They need to be able to demonstrate high standards of literacy and numeracy.Applicants should also be able to demonstrate the ability to provide administrative support – being well organised and able to multi-task are key skills.
Vacancies are usually advertised in the local press and on specialist websites as well as on individual company websites. Some vacancies are also advertised through graduate recruitment services.
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Opportunities
Transport planning technicians, once they have acquired sufficient experience, can progress their career to move into transport planning as a planner or assistant planner where they will take a more active role in planning work.Transport planning technicians can study for an Open University NVQ (at levels 3, 4 and 5) in transportation.
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Useful links
- Transport Planning Society
- The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation
- Transportation Opportunities
- Planning Resource (magazine)
Case Studies
TRANSPORT PLANNING - assistant project officer
Watch an interview with an assistant project officer (links to Virtual Work Experience from Learning and Teaching Scotland).
View case study (external website)