Civil Engineer
In a nutshell
Civil engineers are involved in the design and construction of bridges, tunnels, roads, railways, dams, pipelines and major buildings. All transport, energy, industry and commerce is the result of civil engineering - our society would not function without civil engineering products! Civil engineers usually work for contractors (who traditionally manage the construction work on site); consultants (who are concerned with the design and planning of projects and their effect on the environment); or public service organisations and utilities (who investigate the need for roads, bridges, tunnels, etc and then maintain and manage the structures once they are there). Work is available at three different levels: engineering technician, who has a basic knowledge of engineering principles and vital technical skills; incorporated engineer, who uses technical knowledge and good management skills to lead project teams; and chartered engineer, who is an innovator at the forefront of design solutions.
In depth
Many engineers go on to specialise in a particular area - here are three of them.
Highways and transport engineer
Highways and transport engineers are concerned with the design, construction and maintenance of roads of all sizes in all sorts of locations. They also deal with the structures that support transport networks, such as bridges, tunnels and railway tracks.
Their work can involve:
- ensuring the safety and efficiency of roads and other transport systems
- finding new solutions to transport problems
- using specialist knowledge of the ground or soil conditions to design tunnels, bridges, etc
- planning how to improve passenger comfort
- analysing the effects on the environment.
Marine engineer
This area of civil engineering encompasses all kinds of coastline developments including jetties, piers, harbour work, docks and flood protection.
Water engineer
Water engineers work with the structures used for carrying, storing or distributing water and wastewater.
The people
Civil engineers need a good grasp of mathematics and design, and the ability to manage and liaise with a wide variety of people. They need to be able to think in 3D and communicate ideas effectively to other people. This kind of engineering is suited to people who are practical with a creative streak.
Qualifications needed
To become an engineering technician you will need to pass an NC, ND or HNC course (or a vocational A level in England and Wales ). It's useful to study relevant subjects like maths, design and technology, IT and physics at school - geography, geology and economics might also come in handy. Most courses are very practical and offer the opportunity to try out academic theories on field trips. You'll be amazed at how quickly you apply the theory of civil engineering and structures to real-life examples. To become an incorporated engineer you need to study for an accredited HND (plus a further year's learning) or a B.Eng degree. To become a chartered engineer you will have to take an accredited M.Eng degree and complete carefully controlled training in the workplace.
Salary
A civil engineer with six years' experience earns £28,286 on average (source: www.building.co.uk).
Getting professional
To find out more about routes to qualification and what they mean for you, contact the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). Becoming a student member of this professional body will give you access to loads of information about the industry, career opportunities and discounted publications and events. The ICE also awards 40 scholarships, worth £1,500, each year to school leavers and students with good academic records who go on to do an accredited civil engineering degree. HND/HNC students can receive £750. You can apply for these scholarships in your final school year.
