Civil Engineer

If it were not for civil engineers, we might still be calling caves and other makeshift shelters our homes and our offices would certainly not be located on the 17th floor of that tall tower. Civil engineers plan, design, develop and manage projects such as the construction and repair of buildings, airports, and ports. Roads, railways and bridges are also the products of civil engineering as are dams, pipelines and other water distribution and sanitation systems.

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Of those currently employed 63% have Bachelor Degrees; 14% have Postgraduate Degrees; 8% have Advanced Diplomas or Diplomas; and 7% have no post-school qualifications. In order for you to have the best possible chance of finding employment in your chosen career it is recommended that you gain the available qualifications.

If you're interested in civil engineering, regardless of the area of specialisation, you'll need completion of Year 12 and a good score. Physics, chemistry and maths are required subjects. To become a civil engineer, you need to complete a four-year degree in engineering. Entrance into a university degree course may also be attained through the completion of a TAFE Diploma of Civil Engineering. It is important to talk to the relevant institutions as to the units of credit that will be recognised. Those with diploma qualifications, work as technologists and technicians providing technical support to civil engineers.

TAFE SA offers the following courses to help you find employment in this occupation: Diploma of Civil Engineering (Drafting); Diploma of Civil Engineering (Design); or the Advanced Diploma of Civil Engineering (Structural Design). For further information about these courses please check the TAFE SA website, www.tafe.sa.edu.au. Still Unsure! Then contact the TAFE SA Information Line on 1800 882 661 to enquire about the availability of related short courses.

The University of Adelaide offers a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Structural) and a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Environmental).

The University of South Australia offers a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering).

Civil engineers are primarily employed by engineering consulting companies, government departments, local government authorities and private construction firms. Many are self-employed as consultants or construction contractors, while others may choose to work as university lecturers. Many engineers end up in senior management and executive positions. As there are many issues to consider in the planning and construction of buildings or structures, civil engineers work closely with other professionals including architects, government officials, scientists, lawyers, bankers, contractors, property owners and project developers.

Regardless of the area of specialisation, all civil engineers need to have good communication, analytical and problem solving skills. Computing and organisational skills are equally important for budding civil engineers. 'Experience is key in this field. Work experience during the summer break provides excellent opportunities for future employment, and it's important to make contact with engineering companies while studying to find out about vacation work opportunities,' says an industry professional. Major employers visit the universities each year looking for graduates and may also offer such opportunities. It's no secret that networking pays off in finding employment. The Institution of Engineers (Australia) provides membership to students and offers a variety of events throughout the year at which you can network and explore prospective employment opportunities.

Construction,  Property and Business Services

To be updated.

Depending on the chosen area of specialisation, civil engineers are involved in planning, designing or construction activities that allow a project to be completed. Geotechnical or soil engineers, for example carry out investigations into issues such as the stability of ground at the proposed building site. Materials and testing engineers research and evaluate the suitability of the building material to be used for the proposed structure. Structural engineers on the other hand, are responsible for designing structures and considering such issues as stability or strength. Other civil engineers focus on the type of structure to be built. For instance, water resource engineers design, build and advise on the effective operation of water resource facilities.

Civil engineers may work in offices or spend much of their time on site. They may be required to work long hours and meet strict deadlines while working under minimal supervision. Civil engineers deal with various professional, skilled and semi-skilled people. They can also travel interstate and overseas. It may be necessary for some civil engineers to change residence every few years as their work takes them from one major engineering site to another.

Civil engineers need to be able to identify, analyse and solve problems. They must have good oral and written communication skills and an excellent aptitude for computing and design. They also need to be practical and creative, able to work independently as well as part of a team.

Civil engineers work from offices but also spend much of their time on construction sites. While this is technically a Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 job, project deadlines can mean working longer hours.

For further information, contact:

Engineers Australia (SA Division)
11 Bagot St North Adelaide SA 5006
Ph: (08) 8267 1783
Fax: (08) 8239 0932
Email: sadivision@engineersaustralia.org.au
Website: www.engineersaustralia.org.au

Big Plans
Website: www.bigplans.com.au

Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (IPWEA)
Level 12, 447 Kent St Sydney NSW 2000
Ph: (02) 9267 6677
Fax: (02) 9283 5255
Email: ipwea@ipwea.org.au
Website: www.ipwea.org.au

Salaries begin at $55,000 per year and can range up to $100,000, depending on experience, particularly at the senior management level.

For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or email tafeinfo@saugov.sa.gov.au