Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including public works such as roads, bridges, canals, dams, airports, sewage systems, pipelines, structural components of buildings, and railways. Civil engineering is traditionally broken into a number of sub-disciplines. It is considered the second-oldest engineering discipline after military engineering, and it is defined to distinguish non-military engineering from military engineering. Civil engineering can take place in the public sector from municipal public works departments through to federal government agencies, and in the private sector from locally based firms to global Fortune 500 companies.
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As a building control surveyor one will need to examine plans, drawings, specifications and other documents submitted for approval to make sure they comply with building regulations - using practical guidance set out by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Authorities. To inspect buildings, against regulations for public health, fire safety, energy conservation and sustainability and building accessibility,etc. It is either duty to advise applicants on changes to ensure legal requirements are met, issue conditional approval, subject to other steps being included in the process and grant approval for work to commence.It also includes communicating with members of the public, councilors, construction professionals and statutory bodies, e.g. highways, planning and environmental health departments.The role of a building control surveyor is open to graduates of all degrees. However, particularly relevant subjects include architecture, building control, building surveying, civil engineering, construction studies and structural engineering .
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Their duties include creating high-quality detailed technical drawings and plans based on designs supplied by architects and designers and making modifications to existing drawings. To Liaise with architects, engineers and designers to understand their design requirements and provide technical advice to manufacturing and construction technicians, to provide accurate, detailed and to scale drawings Calculating costs and applying knowledge of materials and engineering principles to check feasibility of manufacture and construction of the product, conducting site visits and surveys when required,etc.You can become a CAD technician through a relevant degree, college course or apprenticeship. Relevant degrees include all engineering disciplines, architecture, manufacturing, IT and design.Graduates can find entry-level roles as a CAD technician to gain industry experience before progressing to other engineering roles such as design engineer, civil engineer and architectural professions.The main route to becoming a CAD technician is to do an apprenticeship or advanced apprenticeship with an employer in engineering design and computer-aided design.
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To undertake technical and feasibility studies and site investigations, develop detailed designs, assess the potential risks of specific projects, as well as undertake risk management as a specialist. To oversee the work of junior staff, or mentor civil engineers throughout the chartership process, communicate and liaise effectively with colleagues and architects, subcontractors, contracting civil engineers, consultants, co-workers and clients. Be adaptable, as the client may change their mind about the design, and ensure relevant parties are notified of changes in the project. This area of work is open to civil and structural engineering graduates. An honours degree, accredited by the ICE, is essential for gaining Chartered Engineer status with the ICE. It may be possible to enter this profession as a graduate with a BSc or other engineering discipline, but progression could be limited. In order to achieve chartered membership of the ICE, you'll need to complete three stages. The first stage is to obtain a MEng (Hons) or a BEng (Hons) degree, plus a relevant postgraduate degree, or complete a suitable employer-led learning program.
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To liaise and work jointly with the design team (consulting engineers) to implement refinements. To negotiate modifications with architects and consulting engineers. The health and safety in the site is their responsibility. To ensure quality of workmanship, find solutions to overcome difficulties, to solve any complaints from local people experiencing disruption due to building works. This area of work is open to civil and structural engineering graduates. To achieve Chartered Engineer (MICE CEng) status you'll need an honours degree, accredited by the ICE or equivalent. You can also enter the profession as a graduate with a BSc or another engineering discipline, or through an apprenticeship. In order to achieve chartered membership of the ICE, the first stage is to satisfy the requirements of the educational base. This means either taking an MEng (Hons) or doing a BEng (Hons), plus a relevant postgraduate degree or following a suitable employer-led learning programme.The second stage involves undertaking Initial Professional Development, preferably through an ICE-approved training scheme.The final stage is to meet the requirements of the Professional Review.
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To liaise with clients to identify their requirements, investigate and undertake analysis on how to improve existing projects or components,etc. To summarize scientific and engineering principles in an easy to understand manner, write technical reports to summarize findings, design the aesthetics, materials and functionality of components. To communicate effectively with the clients, colleagues and contractors involved in a project.You can enter design engineering by both vocational and academic routes. Graduate-level engineers will in most cases be required to have a degree in a relevant technical subject such as civil, mechanical, electrical or chemical engineering. In some cases, non-relevant degrees will be considered and it may be possible to undertake a postgraduate conversion course.To become a professionally incorporated engineer (IEng) or chartered engineer (CEng), you'll first need an undergraduate degree (BSc, BEng). Some courses will offer the opportunity to undertake a year's work placement in industry. Completion of a Masters (MSc, MEng) is a requirement of working towards becoming a fully chartered engineer, and can allow you to specialise in a particular area. Some employers may allow you to study part-time towards your Masters degree.
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Overseeing projects to ensure costs remain in line with forecasts ,compiling bids for work ,calculating the cost of materials, transport, labour and equipment hire ,etc. Obtaining quotes for all predicted requirements from subcontractors and suppliers ,collating detailed price lists of everything needed on each construction project ,clarifying the client's needs and expectations ,reading blueprints and taking measurements etc.Keeping up to date with inflation, exchange rates and projected time scale . Although it's not necessary for you to have any formal educational qualifications to enter this career, GCSEs or equivalent at grades 9-4 (A*-C) in science, IT, technology, English and math are useful.
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To understand the science behind how nuclear facilities work, analyse energy transmission, conversion and storage systems . To solve design or operational problems with reactor cores and shielding, hydraulic and electrical systems, and complex instrumentation such as monitoring equipment etc. To manage staff and budgets for complex design, construction, maintenance, expansion, safety and decommissioning projects. To interpret data and respond to emerging issues to ensure equipment is always working properly.Nuclear engineering is a specialist field, so the level of competition is moderate. If you have a strong record at university and at least some related work experience as a student, prospects are reasonably good. However, as in all specialist fields, a downturn or surge in demand can change the picture quickly.
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To act as the main technical adviser on a construction site for subcontractors, craftspeople and operatives. To set out, level and survey the site, check plans, drawings and quantities for accuracy of calculations. To ensure that all materials used and work performed are in accordance with the specifications. To agree a price for materials and make cost-effective solutions and proposals for the intended project. To manage, monitor and interpret the contract design documents supplied by the client or architect. To liaise with the local authority (where appropriate to the project) to ensure compliance with local construction regulations and by-laws. To carry out day-to-day management of the site, including supervising and monitoring the site labour force and the work of any subcontractors - this is site-specific and may not be the case on all projects. Employers usually ask for a degree or HNC/HND in a construction-related or engineering discipline. The following subjects, in particular, may increase your chances of securing employment:
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To analyse configurations of the basic components of a structure , calculate the pressures, stresses and strains that each component, such as a beam or lintel, will experience from other parts of the structure due to human use or environmental pressures such as weather or earthquakes. To consider the strength of various materials, e.g. timber, concrete, steel and brick, to see how their inclusion may necessitate a change of structural design. To liaise with other designers, including architects, to agree on safe designs and their fit with the aesthetic concept of the construction. To examine structures at risk of collapse and advise how to improve their structural integrity, such as recommending removal or repair of defective parts or rebuilding the entire structure. To make drawings, specifications and computer models of structures for building contractors. To work with geotechnical engineers to investigate ground conditions and analyse results of soil samples and in situ tests, etc. The career of a structural engineer is open to graduates of civil or structural engineering. If you have a degree in another engineering or science discipline you may still be able to enter the profession, but the process may take longer and you may be limited as to how far you can progress. Graduates of non-civil or structural engineering courses are encouraged to study for an MSc in structural engineering before joining the profession.
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To design overall schemes, such as sewer improvement schemes or flood defence programmes, and associated structures, such as pumping stations, pipework and earthworks (the scale of the design may range from an initial outline to a full, detailed design). To prepare tender documents as a basis for construction. To review technical submissions, liaise with various bodies and individuals, including local authorities, government agencies, clients, contractors, residents, suppliers, technical experts and other consultants.Keep up to date with environmental matters, and be aware of policy and developments in this area. Present technical data or project results to both technical and non-technical clients and colleagues. To supervise the operation and maintenance of water and sewerage infrastructure. Although this area of work is open to all graduates from relevant engineering and sciences courses, a degree in civil engineering may improve your chances. Other degrees that may be useful include biochemistry, chemical/process engineering, environmental engineering, environmental science - physical, geology, geophysics/geotechnology, mechanical engineering and physical geography. Most water engineers have a civil engineering background and this may be preferred for some roles.
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To negotiate and develop project contracts and agree these with clients, if working in consultancy and putting out tenders. To commission, organise and assess the work of contractors. To work with detailed diagrams, plans and drawings. To.use specialist computer-aided design (CAD) software and other resources to design the systems required for the project. To use and develop Building Information Modelling (BIM) to ensure systems are coordinated in a complex construction or refurbishment project. To manage and forecast spend, using whole life cycle costing techniques, ensuring that work is kept to budget and energy efficient systems are implemented. To make decisions about expired systems equipment and the appropriate location of new equipment. Entry into building services engineering is typically via an engineering qualification. In particular, a degree in one of the following subjects will be useful in building services engineering, built environment engineering, electrical engineering , energy engineering, mechanical engineering, and other engineering degrees.
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To plan and coordinate a project from start to finish, including organising the schedule of work, costings and budget plan the work and oversee the buying of necessary materials and equipment hire and manage staff for the project manage the construction site on a day-to-day basis, including supervising the labour force, monitoring subcontractors, checking materials, inspecting work and overseeing quality control ensure the project is delivered on time and on budget by setting benchmarks, agreeing budgets and monitoring progresscheck design documents with architects, surveyors and engineers promote and maintain health and safety, including site inspections to ensure safety rules are being followed write reports maintain regular communication and attend meetings with clients and their representatives to inform them of progress on the project, i.e. stakeholder management communicate with any consultants, subcontractors, supervisors, planners, quantity surveyors and others involved in the project deal with any unexpected problems that may occur during the project. Most new entrants to construction management will hold an HNC or degree in a relevant subject, such as:construction, management building studies, project management engineering - including civil engineering surveying. As a construction manager or site manager, you'll be responsible for ensuring that a building project is completed safely, within an agreed timeframe and budget. Managing the practical side of every stage of the build, you'll work closely with architects, surveyors and other building professionals in planning and delivery. You'll also supervise and direct a range of operations on a construction site and ensure that all tradespeople and contractors are working together to an agreed plan and that progress is being made. You may oversee a whole site, or a big part of a large-scale complex project.
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As an engineering geologist, you'll need to consult geological maps and aerial photographs to advise on site selection assist with the design of built structures, using specialised computer software or calculations collate data and produce reports , oversee the progress of specific contracts plan detailed field investigations by drilling and analysing samples of deposits/bedrock supervise site and ground investigations and visit new project sites. Advice on and test a range of construction materials, for example sand, gravel, bricks and clay make recommendations on the proposed use of a site and provide information,advice on problems such as subsidence manage staff, including other engineering geologists, geotechnical engineers, consultants and contractors attend professional conferences and represent the company or organisation at other events. Relevant degree subjects include earth, physical, mathematical and applied sciences and engineering. In particular, the following subjects may increase your chances: civil engineering, engineering geology and geotechnics , geology geophysics and mining engineering.
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As a fire risk assessor, you'll need to: work carefully to follow strict fire safety legislation and guidelines set by the government and fire and rescue services identify hazards and assess the potential risk of a fire breaking out in the building you're working in. Keep up to date with changes in the guidelines to fire safety by reading documents such as the Government Fire Safety Order. Work with others, such as fire services, buildings and facilities managers, surveyors, fire engineers and landlords to develop, amend and implement fire safety plans. To provide fire safety advice to clients, both verbally and in a detailed written report which can include a fire safety action plan. To take responsibility for your continuing professional development (CPD), to learn changes in regulation and developments in fire safety. To deliver training on fire safety in some roles. Higher education isn't necessary but a degree in fire safety, building surveying or a health and safety related subject can help. Having a broader degree in a subject such as civil engineering can be helpful, although this isn't a specific requirement.
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As a geotechnical engineer, you'll need to build and maintain relationships with clients and other professionals involved in the site, throughout each project, and maintain safety standards on site. Be mindful of cost implications when you make recommendations. Complete three distinct stages for each project you undertake. A degree is necessary for entry to this career. Relevant subjects include engineering geology, geology, geophysics, geotechnology and mineral/mining engineering.Alternatively, civil engineering with a geotechnical bias.
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To discuss inventions and processes with inventors or manufacturers and ascertain whether they're likely to succeed in being granted patents . To analyse scientific or technical documents, including previously granted patents, to assess whether an invention is new and innovative. To write detailed technical descriptions of inventions in precise legal terms (patent drafts)suggest modifications or extensions to the definition of the invention. You'll usually need a degree (at least a 2:1) in a science, engineering, technical or mathematics-based subject to get a job as a trainee patent attorney. Training takes place on the job and includes self-directed study, in-house support and guidance, and external training courses.
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As a sustainability consultant, you'll work closely with clients to help them measure and then improve their sustainability performance. This could involve looking at materials used and the waste produced, including pollutants and noise management of energy, water, air and land , how a building performs in terms of energy use - how much energy is used for power and temperature regulation, and how this energy can be recycled , impact on local communities and ecosystems suppliers and procurement sustainable construction strategies compliance with environmental legislation. To work as a quantity surveyor, you will usually need a degree in quantity surveying or commercial management. If your undergraduate degree is in a different subject, you can take a postgraduate conversion course. Relevant degree subjects include building or construction civil or structural engineering economics geography mathematics project management (construction)urban and land studies.
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As a sustainability consultant, you'll work closely with clients to help them measure and then improve their sustainability performance. This could involve looking at:materials used and the waste produced, including pollutants and noise management of energy, water, air and land. Understand how a building performs in terms of energy use - how much energy is used for power and temperature regulation, and how this energy can be recycled impact on local communities and ecosystems suppliers and procurement sustainable construction strategies compliance with environmental legislation. Although you don't always need a foundation degree, HND or degree, most sustainability consultants do have one. A degree in one of the following subjects may be particularly useful: biology ,building and construction, management,business and management studies , civil engineering, environmental science, estate management, geography, geology and urban planning. Sustainability consultants come from a range of backgrounds, including environmental, built environment, construction and business-based careers.
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As an urban designer, you'll need to survey land and buildings, analyse their current use and make recommendations for their future development. Work under your own initiative and direction, as part of a large and multi-skilled team, including architects, local government, building contractors, material suppliers and local communities. Be creative and innovative in your ability to picture buildings and landscapes in your mind before creating them on paper. Apply your vision to designing a variety of built spaces, either creating brand new designs or revising and improving existing ones – these could range from small individual streets, parks and squares to major towns, housing areas and cities work on projects as diverse as airports or hospitals . Create detailed drawings using your artistic or graphic skills, converting your vision into a technical drawing, using specific programmes and software such as computer-aided design (CAD)develop excellent relationships with people - both colleagues and wider groups such as planners, architects, politicians and local communities understand the needs of people who will be using the space you design; through research and analysis you will consider political, environmental, social, economic, spatial, psychological and physical factors. As an urban designer, you'll have completed a Bachelor's degree in a related subject or a foundation degree that enables you to progress with further undergraduate study. Suitable subjects include:
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To protect human health,protect nature's beneficial ecosystems, and improve environmental-related enhancement of the quality of human life.Environmental engineers devise solutions for wastewater management, water and air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal, and public health. They design municipal water supply and industrial wastewater treatment systems, and design plans to prevent waterborne diseases and improve sanitation in urban, rural and recreational areas. They evaluate hazardous-waste management systems to evaluate the severity of such hazards, advice on treatment and containment, and develop regulations to prevent mishaps. They implement environmental engineering law, as in assessing the environmental impact of proposed construction projects.Environmental engineering or environmental systems courses oriented towards a civil engineering approach in which structures and the landscape are constructed to blend with or protect the environment.Environmental chemistry, sustainable chemistry or environmental chemical engineering courses oriented towards understanding the effects of chemicals in the environment, including any mining processes, pollutants, and also biochemical processes.Environmental technology courses oriented towards producing electronic or electrical graduates capable of developing devices and artifacts able to monitor, measure, model and control environmental impact, including monitoring and managing energy generation from renewable sources.
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The Public Health Engineering sector is responsible for the collection of water, purification, transmission and distribution of water. A Public Health Engineer has to perform his job by calculating design flow, design population, design area and population density. An engineering degree in Civil / Electrical/ Mechanical (both degree and diploma holders).
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Transport engineers are responsible for planning, designing and overseeing the construction and maintenance of civil engineering projects relating to transport networks, such as roads, bridges, mass transit stations, railways, airports and harbours.The work of transport engineers aims to optimise traffic flow, improve mobility and safety, and minimise harmful emissions in all transport systems, at efficient cost. Transport engineering involves the analysis and evaluation of traffic signals, signs and markings, as well as the conditions of the environment surrounding the infrastructure. Transportation engineers must have bachelor's degrees in civil engineering. Nearly half of those working today hold master's degrees or doctorates, which may be required for teaching and research positions. Prospective transportation engineers should take high school courses in mathematics and science.
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To conduct surveys on land sites and propertiesExamine previous records and evidence to ensure data accuracy Research and design methods for survey processesUse equipment and tools to accurately measure land features (e.g. longitudes, latitudes) . Build maps, sketches, and chartsSupervise and provide guidance to field staffPurchase and maintain equipmentReport on survey results and present findings to clients Collaborate with engineers and architects on several projects. Previous experience as a surveyor or in a similar roleWorking knowledge of GPS and GIS Tech savvy, including familiarity with CAD softwareAptitude in math and problem-solvingAttention to detailGreat organizational and leadership skills Degree in Civil Engineering or a similar fieldValid certificate is required.
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Controls projects from start to finish to ensure high quality, innovative and functional design. Take the “brief” to identify clients’ needs and put together feasibility reports and design proposals. Develop ideas keeping in mind client’s needs, building’s usage and environmental impact. Produce detailed blueprints and make any necessary corrections. Compile project specificationsKeep within budgets and timelines. Ensure that all works are carried out to specific standards, building codes, guidelines and regulations. Make on site visits to check on project status and report on projects. Cooperate and liaise with construction professionals. Follow architectural trends and advancements. Proven working experience as an ArchitectStrong portfolio to prove artistic skillsExpert knowledge of building products, construction details and relevant rules, regulations and quality standardsExcellent drawing skills and familiarity with design software (Adobe Photoshop, SketchUp, 3d Studio VIZ or similar)Strong imagination and the ability to think and create in three dimensionsVisual awareness and an eye for detailCommunication and project management skillsBS degree in Architecture.
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Motor vehicles defects investigators conduct motor vehicle and motor vehicle component defect investigations, examinations, tests and defect-related accident investigations; provide expert advice and testimony on specific motor vehicle performance problems or defects and recommend improvements in vehicle inspection and licensing procedures and vehicle safety standards.Railway accident investigation officers collect and analyze data from train derailments, collisions, and other accidents to determine the causes and inspect and evaluate railway property, structures, rolling stock, signals, track structure and train handling characteristics to ensure compliance to operating standards.Airworthiness inspectors conduct initial and regular inspections of establishments and individuals holding or applying for air carrier operating certificates and establishments engaged in aircraft maintenance, repair or modification; inspect aircraft, advise of any deficiencies and detain aircraft suspected of being unairworthy or unsafe. University degree or college diploma in an appropriate engineering field or Trade qualifications and extensive related work experience are required.Appropriate professional engineering or engineering technology certification and licences may be required.
