Career opportunities in civil engineering
If you’re interested in a civil engineering career, we’ve compiled a quick guide to give you an overview of opportunities and how to get started.
What is civil engineering?
Civil engineering is the built environment around us. It comprises the engineering that deals with the design, construction, maintenance and demolition of infrastructure and public works.
It includes structures and buildings such as our hospitals, schools, offices, and residential buildings.
Civil engineers make the utilities to power and maintain our cities. These services include our water supply, sewage, and energy generation, such as gas and electricity.
Finally, the transportation systems, including roads, bridges, railways, and airports, that get us from A to B have been designed and constructed with a purpose in mind.
What careers are there in civil engineering?
Every project has various stakeholders and team players to get from the concept to feasibility, design, construction, and finally, the scheme’s utilisation. The larger the project or the more complex the engineering feat, the more people, specialists, and resources are required.
Some of the typical, more hands-on, and practical construction and civil engineering career job roles include:
- Carpenters
- Excavator driver
- Kerb layer
- Groundworker
- Crane operative
- Painter
- Pipe layer
- Welder
- Electrician
- Mechanic
For other engineering-led or specialised roles in your career, you could be:
- Civil engineer
- Architect
- CAD Designer (Computer-aided design)
- Marketing
- Project Managers
- Quantity surveyors
- Structural engineer
- Health and safety manager
How do you get into civil engineering?
Our world and cities are constantly adapting and growing, and so is our demand for civil engineers to build and keep up with demand. Here are three ways to get your foot in the door of construction:
- Career fairs or exhibitions are a great way to talk directly with companies offering vacancies and discuss your options. If you are wondering what civil engineering roles near me are available, this is a great way to find local roles.
- Work experience offers you first-hand knowledge where you can learn the practical skills and understanding to excel. You could do a work experience placement through a company or assist with a small civil engineering construction firm.
Professional development
Civil engineering offers a range of opportunities for career development and personal growth. Civil engineers must build upon various problem-solving, mathematics, and teamwork skills. There are various progression routes, whether through in-house company training, college and university courses and placements, or charterships.
Degrees and apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a great access route into working in civil engineering. An apprenticeship allows you to gain real-world experience and industry knowledge whilst learning on the job.
Where to learn more information
Several websites and associations provide excellent information and career guidance on careers in civil engineering roles. Some we advocate are:
- Go Construct and STEM hold STEM ambassador events, championing the science, technology, engineering, and mechanical industry by providing events, speakers, and guidance. Cairn Cross is proud to have our own STEM ambassadors registered employees.
- ICE is the Institute of Civil Engineers, providing accessible information about how you can become chartered engineers, like our technical director, Ian.
- CITB (CEOs in the Black) are a non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering economic equity and bridging opportunity gaps for communities of colour.
- Routes in Rail offers career advice about the UK rail industry and connects you with employers who have open roles.
What to include on my CV?
If you’re looking to apply for a civil engineer role near you, you must ensure your CV demonstrates your skills and any experience and qualifications relevant to the role. Our training and development manager, Jan, recommends these top three valuable skills to put in your CV:
- Problem-solving skills are essential for adapting and finding solutions to complex and rapidly changing situations. Civil engineering focuses on the built environment to meet societal needs and communities.
- Teamworking skills will ensure projects are completed efficiently and safely. You might be applying for an entry role reporting to leadership or utilising your management skills to lead others.
- Communication skills are pivotal when working with different stakeholders, such as site managers, architects, or clients. Providing accurate and understandable information means everyone is in the loop about progress.
Start your career with Cairn Cross.
Cairn Cross is dedicated to developing the next generation of civil engineers. Whether you’re seeking career progression, management roles, technical skills, or entry-level opportunities like apprenticeships and work experience, we’re here to help. Our goal is to minimise the industry’s skills shortage.
In 2023, Cairn Cross achieved Highly Commended for the Going the Extra Mile CECA award by joining the 5% Initiative and our internal training programme. Over 10% of our workforce is actively involved in professional development programmes.
To see our current vacancies and local civil engineering roles near you, visit www.cairncross.uk.com/careers