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Engineer: Civil

The Work
Civil engineers, sometimes known as structural engineers, can work in several different fields including construction, transport, power, maritime and public sector.

Once plans for an engineering project have been approved, work starts under the supervision of one or more civil engineers. A civil engineer could be involved with this work at any point from design to completion. It is an extremely varied and interesting career and offers opportunities at all levels of skill and expertise. The work of a civil engineering could involve the following:

construction - buildings, sports stadiums or shopping centres
transport - railways, roads, bridges and traffic studies
power - hydroelectric schemes, dams, oil rigs and pipelines
hydraulics - the movement of water from one area to another for consumption or irrigation
maritime - the construction and development of docks and harbours
public health - waste disposal, sewage treatment and disposal.

Experienced civil engineers are usually either incorporated or chartered.

Incorporated engineers specialise in developing and applying modern technology, and play an increasingly vital role within any organisation which depends on a skilled technical workforce. With their detailed knowledge and understanding of current engineering applications, they have the skills and expertise to ensure projects run smoothly, and often hold key operational management roles.

Chartered engineers may be involved in research and development or manufacture and installation. They may progress into senior general management - typically as project leaders - and be responsible for teams of incorporated engineers and technicians.

Hours and Conditions
Civil and structural engineers work both in offices and on site. When working on a design project they are likely to work office hours from 9am to 5pm. Working on site can involve extensive travelling. Senior roles usually involve working on several projects, visiting sites, attending meetings and working in an office.

Site work can be in areas that are inhospitable or remote. This may mean working outdoors in all weathers at heights, on scaffolding or ladders. Safety clothing may need to be worn in these circumstances.

Skills and Interests
To be a civil or structural engineer, you should:

have a methodical approach to design and planning
be able to produce accurate plans and drawings
have strong mathematical ability and an aptitude for physics
be able to work in and lead a team
have a high standard of computer literacy
have organisational ability
have good communication skills.

Training
To qualify as an incorporated civil engineer you should:

have an accredited three-year engineering degree or equivalent qualification, or an accredited HNC/D plus further learning equivalent to one year of study, known as a matching section; this does not have to be formal study but should be at final year degree level
complete a period of initial professional development including practical training and professional engineering experience
successfully pass a professional review
gain corporate membership of the Institution of Incorporated Engineers.

The Institution of Incorporated Engineers offers a number of awards to help women who are studying for Incorporated Engineer qualifications.

To qualify as a chartered civil engineer you must:

have an accredited MEng degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant engineering subject
complete a period of initial professional development which includes formal and informal training and professional engineering experience
successfully pass a professional review
gain corporate membership of the Institute of Civil Engineers.

Graduate apprenticeships in engineering may be available - contact the Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Alliance (SEMTA) for further details.

Opportunities
Many different types of organisations employ civil engineering graduates. Examples are:

consulting firms, which usually specialise in certain types of project, such as roads, power stations or docks and harbours. They may work for many different clients, including overseas governments
contractors, who undertake all types of construction, or specialise in either building or civil engineering
local authorities - it is possible to work as a county or municipal engineer, in technical administration or in planning departments
gas and electricity supply companies, who employ civil engineers to design storage, generating and distribution systems
transport authorities, who may employ civil engineers to design and construct lines and stations and plan services.

Overseas, there are good opportunities with British firms of consulting or contracting engineers working for foreign governments, or with international oil and mining companies.

Salary
The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.

Income for new graduate engineers is about £19,000 a year.
Senior chartered civil or structural engineers can earn around £35,000 a year.
Heads of departments or directors can earn more than £40,000 a year.

Further Information
Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party websites.

Watch the Building Visions video interview with Chartered Civil Engineer Rishmila Mendis >

Watch the Building Visions video interview with Structural Engineer Geraldine Howson >

SEMTA (Science Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Alliance)
Tel: 0808 100 3682
www.semta.org.uk

Institution of Civil Engineers
Tel: 020 7235 4535
www.istructe.org.uk

CITB - Construction Skills
Tel: 01485 577577
www.citb.org.uk