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Civil engineer

Alternative titles for this job include Engineering consultant

Civil engineers design and manage construction projects, from bridges and buildings to transport links and sports stadiums.

Average salary (a year)

£30,000 Starter

to

£70,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 42 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

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

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:

  • structural engineering
  • environmental engineering
  • coastal engineering

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

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

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

College

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.

Subjects include:

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

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could complete a civil engineer degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Work

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

More 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.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of building and construction
  • design skills and knowledge
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Depending on your specialism, you could:

  • consult and plan with the client
  • analyse and map data using computer modelling software
  • use computer aided design (CAD) to create blueprints
  • evaluate project costs, time and labour
  • check risks and environmental impact
  • prepare bids for tenders
  • report to clients and government agencies
  • monitor progress at each stage
  • make 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 and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and 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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Engineer

  • Wage: £21,575.00 Annually
  • Location: Martineau Lane, Norwich, Norfolk

Civil Engineering Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £18,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Mitcham

Courses In England

Civil Engineering BTEC Diploma

  • Provider: SOUTH & CITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM
  • Start date: 01 August 2023
  • Location: Birmingham

HNC Civil Engineering

  • Provider: MID-KENT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 04 September 2023
  • Location: Maidstone

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