Civil Engineer
Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.
| Job Prospects |
Good, employment growth for this occupation is expected to be very strong to 2014-15. |
| Salary Range |
$55,000 to $80,000 plus |
| Brief |
Examples of their work are all around us. From the roads and bridges that we drive on to the homes that we live in, it's not difficult to appreciate just how important civil engineers are to the quality of our daily living.
There are currently around 2,200 civil engineers employed in South Australia. Employment is largely full-time and most work in the property and business services and construction industries. Most persons in this occupation are male and most are employed in the Adelaide metropolitan area. This occupation has a younger age profile with only around a third of civil engineers aged 45 years or older. |
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TAFE SA courses that may be relevant for: Civil Engineer
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Introduction
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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Education Requirements
Of those currently employed 63% have Bachelor Degrees; 14% have Postgraduate Degrees; 9% have Advanced Diplomas or Diplomas; and 5% 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.
TAFE SA offers the following courses to help you find employment in this occupation: Diploma Program in Engineering Drafting (Specialising in Civil, Structural or Industrial); and Advanced Diploma Program in Engineering Design (Specialising in Civil, Structural, Industrial or Management). For further information about these courses please check the TAFE SA website, www.tafesa.edu.au.
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).
Career Path
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.
Industries
Construction, Property and Business Services
Interview
To be updated.
Nature of the Job
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.
Typical Physical Working Environment
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.
Typical Occupational Example
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)
Level 11, 108 King William St, Adelaide SA 5000
Ph: (08) 8202 7100
Fax: (08) 8211 7702
Website: www.engineersaustralia.org.au
Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (IPWEA SA)
PO Box 754
Ph: (08) 8100 9975
Fax: (08) 8232 5455
Email: sa@ipwea.org.au
Website: www.ipwea.org.au
Earning Potential
Salaries begin at $55,000 per year and can range up to $100,000, depending on experience, particularly at the senior management level.
Further Information
For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or enquire online