Civil engineers create, improve, and protect the surroundings in which we live. They plan, design, construct, and maintain infrastructures such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbours, dams, irrigation projects, power plants, and water and sewerage systems. They also design and build skyscrapers and enormous structures that can withstand all forms of weather.
Consulting engineers and contracting engineers are the two sorts of civil engineers. Consultants work in an office environment and are largely responsible for project design. Contractors then put the thoughts into action during the construction phase. Finally, on-site construction of the structure is managed by contractors.
Responsibilities
Throughout your apprenticeship, you may help:
- 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.
Salary
- Starting salaries for an apprentice is £30,000 per year.
- Experienced civil engineers can expect to earn up to £70,000 per year.
Working hours
You will typically work 40 to 42 hours per week, occasionally having to working evening and weekends.
Working environment
You could work in an office, at a client’s business or remotely.
Qualifications
Qualifications you can achieve as an apprentice civil engineer include:
- Level 6 Civil Engineer – Entry requirements for this level include 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship. This qualification takes 66 months to complete.
Skills
On a civil engineer apprenticeship, you’ll learn:
- 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.
Employers
Typical employers of civil engineers include:
- Construction companies (both consultants and contractors)
- Local authorities and government departments
- Rail companies
- Utility companies.
Civil engineers often specialise in a particular types of project or discipline, such as coastal/marine, power, water and transport.
Career path and progression
With 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.