Job Description

Civil Engineers will plan, design and manage a huge range of construction projects such as bridges, dams, buildings, airports, offshore platforms and roads. Consulting civil engineers are responsible for the design of a project, while contracting civil engineers turn these plans into reality.

Entry Requirements

There are various ways you can get into this role.

College

You could take a college course in Construction/Engineering or 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 3 in Construction
Level 4 HNC in Civil Engineering
Level 5 HND in Construction and the Built Environment

You'll usually need:

For a level 2 course: 4 GCSEs at grade D (Grade 3) or equivalent to include maths and English.
For a level 3 course: 5 GCSEs at grade C or above (Grades 9 -4) or equivalent to include Maths and English.
1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national certificate or higher national diploma

The following local colleges offer courses in engineering/construction:

Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course.

Apprenticeship

You could complete a civil engineer apprenticeship.

You'll usually need:

For an Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3): 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths.
For an Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2): some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent.
For a higher or degree apprenticeship (Level 4,5,6,7): 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent.

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

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.

Related careers you may be interested in:

Architect
Civil engineering technician
Import-export clerk
Construction manager
Land surveyor

Required Skills

You will need to be good at maths and science
Have excellent IT skills
The ability to understand plans and designs and explain them to others
Able to make decisions and meet deadlines
Good communication skills
Able to work well in a team

Salary Range

£24,000 to £80,000

Civil Engineer