Civil Engineer (Construction)

Civil engineers are involved in seeing an engineering project from conception, through the design stage, to construction and completion. Civil Engineers may either advise on projects and design them, or turn these plans into reality and maintain the structures once they are built.  Civil engineers work on major building projects such as bridges, tunnels, roads, railways, docks, airports, dams, pipelines and power supply systems.  A civil engineer should think creatively, be able to make accurate plans and drawings, be good at maths and physics, be able to make quick judgements and be interested in solving practical problems.

Civil engineering graduates are highly sought after. They work in many different types and sizes of organisation, such as consulting firms, large building contractors, transport authorities and water, gas and electricity supply companies. Local authorities are major employers of civil engineers.

The usual qualification for a professional civil engineer is a degree or HNC/HND in a relevant subject. It is also possible to begin training for craft or technician-level jobs straight from school with GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) in English, maths and science.
After their HNC/HND or degree, trainees take further training with an employer. Civil Engineers can then work towards registration as an incorporated or chartered engineer through their professional body.

Civil engineers in design offices, local government and public service usually work 37 hours a week. On-site hours can be much longer and may include evenings and weekends. The work may be office-based, or it may involve being out on site in all weathers.  Salaries may range from about £19,000 to over £60,000 a year.

There may be opportunities for promotion to posts such as chief engineer, associate or partner in a firm. There are many opportunities to work abroad, particularly in the developing world.

Jobs of this type currently available

There are currently no jobs of this type available.