Civil engineer
Design, plan and manage the construction of large buildings, transport links and major structures. You'll champion green building practices and sustainable infrastructure.
About the job
Career insights – Civil engineer
What it's like
In this career, you'll think big. Civil engineers plan, design and build the big things that make up the world around us. Bridges, sports stadiums, water systems and wind turbines are just a few of the things you could work on.
Basically, for any large infrastructure project that needs a lot of thought to get the construction right, you'll be the person for the job.
You could specialise in a specific area, for example:
structural - dams, buildings, offshore platforms and pipelines
transportation – roads, railways, canals and airports
environmental – water supply networks, drainage and flood barriers
maritime – ports, harbours and sea defences
geotechnical – mining, earthworks and construction foundations.
Your tasks might include:
planning the project requirements with your client and colleagues
using computer modelling software to analyse data and create models
assessing the environmental impact and the risks of a project
directing and checking the progress during each stage of a project
making sure the construction site meets the legal, and health and safety, requirements.
reporting to your clients, public agencies and planning organisations
You’ll work closely with other professionals such as architects, other engineering disciplines, surveyors and building contractors.
Green jobÂ
In this job, you'll do work that helps the environment. Find out more about green jobs.Â
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Go Construct – find out more about working as a civil engineer
Tomorrow's Engineers – explore careers resources for young people from Engineering UK and Royal Academy of Engineering
Engineering Council UK – check out a list of courses in Scotland that are accredited by the Engineering Council
The Institution of Engineers in Scotland (IES) – discover more information on engineering careers
Supply Chain Sustainability School – free learning resources for anyone who wants to work in the built environment sector
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Civil engineer'
Select qualification level(s)
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Engineering and manufacturing Transport Energy Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- time management
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- problem solving
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Technology
Engineering Science
Environmental Science
Geography
Graphic Communication
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Civil Engineering
Skills for Work: Building Services Engineering
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
Foundation Apprenticeship: Construction
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are lots of ways into a career as a civil engineer. Although, many employers ask for a degree in a relevant engineering subject.
Here are some routes to consider.
University
A degree in Civil Engineering will be helpful for getting into this job. Other engineering subjects are also relevant and can help you get into the career.
You could also continue your studies at postgraduate level.
Use the My World of Work course search to find degrees.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job or progress to more advanced study. You can study Civil Engineering at college but other engineering subjects will also be useful.
Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You can do an MA in Construction: Civil Engineering.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry. You'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni. You'll have a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You can do a GA in Civil Engineering.
Work
You could get into a civil engineering technician role first and work your way up. You'll likely need to study towards relevant qualifications while you work to progress.
You can use the My World of Work job search to look for job vacancies.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Civil engineer'
