Civil Engineer

Typical Salary

£24,000 To £80,000

Typical Hours

40 to 42 a week

evenings / weekends occasionally

How To Become a Civil Engineer

You can get into this job through:

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

College / University

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

structural engineering
environmental engineering
coastal engineering

2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree

a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

You can take a higher national certificate (HNC) or diploma (HND) at college, which may help you to find work as a trainee engineer. You'll do further training on the job to qualify.

Level 4 HNC in Civil Engineering
Level 5 HND in Construction and the Built Environment

1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national certificate or higher national diploma

Apprenticeship

You could complete a civil engineer degree apprenticeship.

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

Routes into this Career

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

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of engineering science and technology
maths knowledge
knowledge of building and construction
design skills and knowledge
excellent verbal communication skills
knowledge of English language
thinking and reasoning skills
the ability to read English
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

Depending on your specialism, you could be:

planning with the client
analysing surveys, testing and mapping data using computer modelling software
creating blueprints using computer aided design (CAD)
judging if projects are worth doing by looking at costs, time and labour
checking risks and the effects on the environment
preparing bids for tenders, and reporting to clients and government agencies
managing and checking progress at each stage
making sure sites follow health and safety rules

Working Environment

You could work on a construction site or in an office.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression

With incorporated or chartered engineer status, you could move into senior project management roles. You could also specialise in a particular engineering field, work in research or become a consultant. You could work overseas with British consulting firms, and for oil and mining companies.

You could also work for international development and disaster relief agencies.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Institution of Civil Engineers for professional development opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a civil engineer from the Institution of Civil Engineers and Tomorrow's Engineers.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.