Normally technicians work in a team led by an IEng or CEng.
In highways and transportation they apply established techniques and procedures to solve practical engineering problems. In Maintenance they often supervise others or they may design smaller traffic management schemes.
Engineers following the part-time route to professional status often start an technicians whilst studying for a National Certificate in civil engineering or qualify with an NVQ3 through workplace assessment. They then gain their Nationals or degrees and with increased responsibility become incorporated.
The Engineering Council sets UK standards for technicians and maintains a national register. Their website makes the business case for technicians and has lots of extra resources.
Most technicians are employed straight from school or move up from other jobs in construction. Check out how to progress.