Civil engineer
Civil engineers design and manage construction projects, such as buildings, bridges, flood defences and transport links.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a civil engineer, you could:
- work closely with clients to understand what they need
- map and analyse data using mathematical modelling methods
- create design plans and models with computer software
- assess the risks and environmental impact of projects
- monitor progress at each construction stage
- lead a team of engineers, co-ordinate work and manage a budget
We've identified this as a potential green job
For a civil engineer to be a green job, you could:
- use sustainable materials like recycled concrete or bamboo
- design with energy efficiency in mind, like using natural light
- minimise waste by re-using or recycling materials
Find out more about green careers
Working environment
You could work in an office or on a construction site.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
It's important to continue your professional development as a civil engineer.
For example, you could look to get incorporated or chartered engineer status. This would allow you to move into positions with more responsibility, such as senior management roles on large scale projects.
With experience, you could also:
- specialise in a particular engineering field
- work in research
- become an engineering consultant
- work with international development organisations or disaster relief agencies
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- knowledge of building and construction
- maths knowledge
- design skills and knowledge
- thinking and reasoning skills
- complex problem-solving skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in civil engineering.
Many universities specialise in particular areas of civil engineering, like:
- transport engineering
- environmental engineering
- coastal and maritime engineering
You can search for accredited courses through the Institution of Civil Engineers. Some courses include a work placement, which can be useful for making industry contacts to help you find work after university.
You can also do further study for a postgraduate master's qualification in civil engineering, if you've got a degree in a related subject 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
You could take a course at college, which might help you to get work as a trainee civil engineer, or to apply for further study at university.
Subjects include:
- civil engineering
- maths, physics or geography
- construction and the built environment
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
More Information
You can apply to do a Civil Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship with an engineering or construction company.
This takes around 5 years to complete.
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
You could work as a civil engineering technician and study on the job for a degree or apprenticeship.
You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science. Employers may also look for 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent qualifications.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) for professional development opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can learn more about how to become a civil engineer from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.