Civil engineer
Civil engineers create, improve and protect the environment in which we live, helping to provide the facilities we need for day-to-day life
The job involves working on a project from its earliest design stages through construction and finally to completion. Projects vary greatly and could be anything from a water treatment works to a new street or sports stadium.
Civil engineers also use their skills to look into the different ways that power can be generated without draining the earth’s natural resources.
Did you know?
In a salary survey carried out by ICE, civil engineers reported a high degree of job satisfaction with 71 per cent being satisfied with their employer and 75 per cent satisfied with their present role.
Facts and Figures
- Starting salary:
Between £17,000 and £24,000
- Senior level salary:
Up to £65,000
- Education:
You'll need a recognised degree or an apprenticeship
- Skills:
You'll need to enjoy a varied role and work well in a team, as well as being willing to solve problems on your own. A prospective civil engineer should welcome the challenge of exploiting technological advances in ways that improve the quality of life for different communities.
- Likely employer type:
Construction contractors, local authorities, consultancies, clients with in-house civil engineers
- Working hours:
About 40 hours per week, some unsocial hours and weekend work.
- Opportunities:
There is a high demand for good graduates with relevant qualifications
Meet a civil engineer
Helpful links
- Institution of Civil EngineersInformation about careers in civil engineering
- A list of JBM accredited courses in civil engineering
- Royal Academy of EngineeringMore about engineering education
- Construction Industry CouncilMore about careers in the construction industry
