You could do a higher national diploma, foundation degree or degree in a relevant subject like:

• geoscience
• geology
• environmental science
• Earth sciences
• mineral or mining engineering

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include:

• geology
• applied science
• laboratory technical skills
• laboratory and associated technical activities

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

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:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• analytical thinking skills
• maths knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of geography
• to be flexible and open to change
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Being able to drive may be an advantage in roles where you need to visit sites.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification scheme (CSCS) card, if you're working for a geotechnical company that specialises in supporting construction projects.

As a geotechnician, you could:

• collect and prepare rock, soil and water samples for lab testing
• analyse the chemical and physical properties of samples
• record well and borehole drilling activity
• interpret data from seismic surveys
• prepare geological maps
• support teaching staff in university
• train and supervise staff
• produce reports for engineers and scientists

You could work in a laboratory or visit sites.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and dirty.

You may need to wear protective clothing.