Civil engineer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in civil engineering.

Many universities specialise in particular areas of civil engineering like:

• transport engineering
• environmental engineering
• coastal and maritime engineering

Some courses include a work placement, which can be useful for making industry contacts to help find work after university.

You can apply to do a postgraduate master's qualification in civil engineering if you've got a degree in a related subject like maths, science or geology.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

College

You could take a course at college, which might help you to get work as a trainee civil engineer, or to apply for further study at university.

Subjects include:

• civil engineering
• maths, physics or geography
• construction and the built environment

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national certificate or higher national diploma

Apprenticeship

You can do a Civil Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This takes around 5 years to complete.

You might also start by doing an apprenticeship to qualify as a civil engineering technician , then go on to do the Civil Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You could work as a civil engineering technician and study part time for a degree or apprenticeship while you work.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• knowledge of building and construction
• maths knowledge
• design skills and knowledge
• thinking and reasoning skills
• complex problem-solving skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• operations analysis skills
• the ability to read English
• business management skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to use your initiative
• analytical thinking skills
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• knowledge of systems analysis and development
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• concentration skills
• knowledge of English language
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Civil engineers design and manage construction projects such as buildings, bridges, transport links and sports stadiums.

As a civil engineer, you could:

• work closely with clients to understand what they need
• map and analyse data using mathematical modelling methods
• create design plans and models with computer software
• assess the risks and environmental impact of projects
• monitor progress at each construction stage
• lead a team of engineers, co-ordinate work and manage a budget

Location : You could work on a construction site or in an office.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £28,000
Experienced : £60,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

40 - 42 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends occasionally

Career Path:

It's important to continue your professional development while working as a civil engineer.

For example, you could look to get incorporated or chartered engineer status . This would allow you to get positions with more responsibility, such as senior management roles on large scale projects.

With experience, you could also:

• specialise in a particular engineering field
• work in research
• become an engineering consultant
• work with international development organisations or disaster relief agencies