Construction and the built environment
Acoustics technician
Understanding the science of sound and vibration propagation and applying this to work areas relevant to their employer’s working practices.
Summary
Acoustics deals with all types of waves in a variety of different situations. The waves may include sound and vibration in air and water, as well as very low (infra) and very high (ultra) sound waves. A knowledge of how these waves behave in different media has enabled technologies to develop in fields as diverse as architectural, musical and medical engineering. Acoustics is considered in many construction and major engineering projects, such as Crossrail, HS2, and The Sage Concert Hall Gateshead, amongst many others. Typically, companies that are involved in acoustics include specialist consulting firms for the built environment; planning consultants; construction companies; health and safety practitioners; entertainment and performing arts venues; product manufacturers; engineering, and national and local government. Due to the specialist nature of the subject, an Acoustics Engineering Technician would commonly be part of a wider project team, focusing on the acoustic aspects of a project alongside fellow specialists such as Acoustics Consultants and Engineers. An Acoustics Engineering Technician will undertake tasks in support of practitioners in acoustics, including consultants, laboratories, local authorities, transport authorities and other engineering disciplines in a variety of professional areas. An Acoustics Engineering Technician understands the science of sound and vibration propagation and applies this to work areas relevant to their employer’s working practices. They often apply the same fundamental principles to solving acoustic problems in different contexts e.g. architectural and environmental acoustics would be applicable as part of a planning application.
Typical job titles include
- Acoustics Calibration Engineering Technician | Acoustics Laboratory Technician | Acoustics Product Design Technician | Architectural and Environmental Acoustics Technician | Supporting Environmental Health Practitioner for noise
Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)
K1:
The principles and responsibilities, imposed law and other regulations in acoustics engineering environments.
K2:
Scientific principles that underpin acoustics including the transmission of sound through different materials and behaviour and control of sound.
K3:
Level 4 mathematics for undertaking hand and spreadsheet based acoustic calculations.
K4:
The range of equipment used to measure sound and vibration including calibration and maintenance techniques.
K5:
Sound and vibration measuring and recording techniques in laboratory, internal and external environments.
K6:
Sustainable practices in the design and manufacture of acoustic products.
K7:
Technical drawing using Computer Aided Design software packages.
K8:
Acoustic modelling software and methods and their use in the sector.
K9:
Technical report writing techniques for both internal and external audiences.
K10:
The standards and guidance applicable to acoustics practitioners (e.g. Approved Document E of the Building Regulations, Control of Pollution Act 1974, Building Bulletin 93: Acoustics Design of Schools).
Technical Educational Products
- ST0613: Acoustics technician (Level 4) Retired
- Reference:
- OCC0613
- Status:
Occupational standard without apprenticeship
- Average (median) salary:
- £44,134 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 2129 Engineering professionals n.e.c.
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 2129/01 Acoustic engineers
S1:
Identify risk of activities and apply safe working practices both in laboratory and site environments.
S2:
Plan, measure, analyse and report acoustic data.
S3:
Operate acoustic modelling software appropriate to their organisation.
S4:
Operate Computer Aided Design software packages.
S5:
Calibrate, operate and maintain acoustic equipment to maintain the appropriate British Standards (e.g. BS EN 61672-2: 2014 Electroacoustics, Sound Level Meters).
S6:
Undertake acoustics calculations manually and using spreadsheets.
S7:
Apply standards and guidance in the context of acoustics including those related to the built environment, construction, and laboratory/on-site testing.
S8:
Listen critically and interpret sound correctly.
S9:
Communicate effectively, contributing to meetings and presenting information in a variety of ways including oral and written.
S10:
Produce succinct and understandable reports for the end user.
S11:
Think critically, analyse and clearly present the outputs of acoustic information.
Technical Educational Products
- ST0613: Acoustics technician (Level 4) Retired
- Reference:
- OCC0613
- Status:
- Occupational standard without apprenticeship
- Average (median) salary:
- £44,134 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 2129 Engineering professionals n.e.c.
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 2129/01 Acoustic engineers
B1:
Accuracy and diligence in practical work in both laboratory and site contexts.
B2:
Team working with others in a collaborative and non-confrontational way.
B3:
Attention to detail in results outputs against standards, guidance and client briefs.
B4:
Time management
B5:
Commitment to Equality and Diversity
Technical Educational Products
- ST0613: Acoustics technician (Level 4) Retired
- Reference:
- OCC0613
- Status:
- Occupational standard without apprenticeship
- Average (median) salary:
- £44,134 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 2129 Engineering professionals n.e.c.
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 2129/01 Acoustic engineers
