Civil Engineer

What does a civil engineer do?Civil engineers often specialise in one area, such as transportation (roads, airports, railways), environmental (flood barriers, turbines), geotechnical (mining and earthworks), maritime (ports and sea defences) or structural (dams, pipelines, offshore platforms).As a Civil Engineer You Could Be:Assisting with site investigationsAssessing the worth and potential risks of projectsDeveloping blueprints using computer-aided design (CAD)Liaising with architects, subcontractors, consultants, co-workers and clientsEnsuring projects meeting legal requirements and health and safety standardsResolving design and development problemsManaging budgets and other project resourcesAttending public meetings to discuss projectsUsing computer modelling software to analyse surveys and mapping dataPreparing project bids and reportsAssessing a project’s environmental impact and potential riskMonitoring project progress and ensuring it meets legal and health and safety requirementsWorking on-site in all weathers or in an office.How to become a civil engineerThere are several routes to becoming a civil engineer. You can gain the qualifications you need by doing a university or college course or you could apply for a civil engineering apprenticeship. If you already have relevant skills or experience you may be able to apply directly to an employer or train on the job. You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you.You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.UniversityYou can become a civil engineer by enrolling on a four-year university degree course. Whilst studying, you could choose to specialise in a particular area, such as structural, environmental or coastal engineering.You may be able to retrain as a civil engineer if you have a relevant undergraduate or postgraduate degree such as maths, geology or science.Equivalent entry requirements explainedFind a university courseFunding adviceCollege/training providerYou may need to attend a specialist college or training provider to start your studies as a civil engineer.Find a course near youFunding adviceApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry. Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.The Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) list up to date apprenticeship opportunities on their website.Guide to apprenticeshipsWorkYou may be able to work as a civil engineering technician, whilst studying part-time to qualify as a civil engineer.Work experienceWork experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.Find out more about work experienceSkillsAdditional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as civil engineer include:Knowledge of building and constructionDesign skills and knowledgeBe thorough and pay attention to detailExcellent verbal communication skillsAble to work well with othersAble to use your initiativeAble to use a computer and the main software packages confidentlyQualificationsTo become a civil engineer, you could complete a:Civil Engineer Level 6 Degree ApprenticeshipFoundation Degree in Civil EngineeringHigher National Diploma in Civil EngineeringDegree in Civil EngineeringTo Become a Civil Engineer, You Could Complete A:Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) in Civil EngineeringModern Apprenticeship in Construction Technical at SCQF Level 7Graduate Apprenticeship in Civil EngineeringFoundation Degree in Civil EngineeringDegree in Civil EngineeringMasters Degree in Civil EngineeringTo Become a Civil Engineer, You Could Complete A:Foundation Degree in Civil EngineeringDegree in Civil EngineeringMasters Degree in Civil EngineeringHow much could you earn as a civil engineer?The expected salary for a civil engineer varies as you become more experienced.Newly trained civil engineers can earn from £30,000Trained civil engineers with experience can earn up to £65,000*Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed and industry recognised training route. Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources