Architectural Technician

Slc Rail; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Slc Rail seeks a motivated learner to join its Human-Centred Design team in Manchester, supporting the development of accessible rail stations. You will help create layouts and design solutions that improve passenger experience, under guidance from experienced designers and engineers.

You will gain exposure to community engagement, early feasibility, and human factors reviews, learning to communicate technical information inclusively.

Qualifications

• Studying toward an HND or similar or holding an offer to study via a degree apprenticeship.
• Interest in accessibility and inclusive design for rail stations.
• Strong written, verbal and visual communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Produce sketches, plans, drawings and visualisations using AutoCAD, Civil 3D and SketchUp.
• Support early-stage feasibility studies and the development of station concepts.
• Help ensure designs respond to rail industry, accessibility and building standards.
• Coordinate design information with technical leads across disciplines.
• Prepare drawings and materials for stakeholder engagement.
• Assist with Equality Impact Assessments and design reviews.

Skills

Creative problem-solving

Communication skills

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Spatial awareness

Education

HND in Architectural Technology / related

Degree apprenticeship offer

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

SketchUp

Job description

Qualification Working towards an HND or other relevant qualification in Architectural Technology, Architecture, Civil Engineering, the Built Environment or a related discipline; or Holding an offer to study a relevant university course as part of a degree apprenticeship.

You will join our Human-Centred Design team and support the development of rail stations that respond to community needs and accommodate a wide range of access requirements.

This is an opportunity for someone who is passionate about making infrastructure and the rail industry more accessible. You will learn how to communicate technical information clearly to clients, stakeholders and diverse user groups, including people who may not have a technical background.

Your work will be varied, ranging from initial station studies and feasibility assessments through to the development of station concepts. Working alongside experienced designers and engineers, you will help develop layouts and design solutions that improve the experience of passengers and station users.

You will also support human factors and inclusive design reviews. This may include researching information about local communities, helping to prepare and support engagement activities, reviewing designs from different user perspectives, and recording recommendations for improvement.

The role will involve working with clients, engineers, architects and other stakeholders to communicate the case for change and build support for new and improved station schemes.

Key Responsibilities

With the mentoring of experienced members of the team, you will:

• Produce sketches, plans, drawings and visualisations using software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D and SketchUp.
• Support early-stage feasibility studies and the development of station concept designs.
• Help ensure designs respond to relevant rail industry, accessibility and building standards.
• Coordinate design information with technical leads across rail engineering and station building design disciplines.
• Apply creative problem-solving to develop layouts that respond to competing technical, operational and customer requirements.
• Prepare drawings, presentations and other materials for stakeholder and community engagement.
• Support presentations to clients, community representatives and industry accessibility panels, communicating technical information clearly and inclusively.
• Assist with human factors reviews and Equality Impact Assessments.
• Record design comments, actions and recommendations, and help demonstrate how designs have been improved in response.
• Maintain accurate project records and contribute to the production of reports and design documentation.
• Participate in project meetings, site visits and design workshops.

Experience Required

Previous industry experience is not essential. We are primarily looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• An interest in architecture, spatial design, transport infrastructure or rail stations.
• A strong interest in accessibility, inclusive design and the needs of different station users.
• Good written, verbal and visual communication skills.
• An interest in understanding how people interact with buildings and public spaces.
• Creativity and an ability to approach problems logically.
• Attention to detail and a willingness to learn.
• An ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Experience of drawing, modelling or design software would be beneficial but is not essential, as training and support will be provided.

Qualifications

You should either be:

• Working towards an HND or other relevant qualification in Architectural Technology, Architecture, Civil Engineering, the Built Environment or a related discipline; or
• Holding an offer to study a relevant university course as part of a degree apprenticeship.