Structural Engineer
What is the work like?
Structural engineering is an important branch of civil engineering in the construction industry. It is the job of a structural engineer to design the framework that holds a building or structure together, to make it strong enough and flexible enough to withstand the stresses and strains put on it over its lifetime.
As a structural engineer your work would involve:
- working closely with clients, architects, contractors and other professionals on construction plans
- developing design ideas, using computer aided design (CAD) packages
- investigating the properties of materials, like glass, steel and concrete, and advising on which may be most suitable for the job
- working out the loads and stresses on different parts of a structure like the foundations, beams, arches and walls
- using computer simulations to predict how structures will react under different conditions, for example storm-force winds, earth tremors or sabotage
- inspecting unsafe buildings and recommending options for repairs or demolition
- making sure that projects meet legal guidelines, environmental directives, and health and safety requirements
- preparing bids for tenders, supervising project teams and giving progress reports to clients and senior managers.
In this job, you could work on a variety of different projects, such as new offices and apartment blocks, sports arenas, bridges, dams and tunnels. In all cases, your designs have to be cost-efficient and allow the structure to fulfil its intended purpose, while still being visually appealing.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would need to take a three-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (BEng) or four-year Masters degree (MEng) in structural engineering or civil engineering. This is important if you want to gain incorporated or chartered engineer status later in your career (see the training and development section below for more details). You could take other engineering-related subjects but it may take longer to fully qualify.
For a degree course in engineering, you would need at least five GCSEs (A-C) and two or three A levels, including maths and a science subject (normally physics), or equivalent qualifications. Colleges or universities may accept a relevant Access to Higher Education award for entry to certain courses. Please check with them for their exact entry requirements.
You could get into this career at technician level after studying for a BTEC HNC/HND or foundation degree in engineering. With further training on the job, you could work your way up to engineer positions.
Go to the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), ConstructionSkills and Women into Science, Engineering and Construction websites for more details about structural engineering careers and courses. The Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) also has careers and course information for that area.
What further training and development can I do?
You can get onto a graduate training scheme with a company if you have a degree or postgraduate qualification in engineering.
The flexible Initial Professional Development scheme, run by the IStructE, is an important bridge between leaving college and gaining professional qualifications. It lays out the minimum level of skills and knowledge you need to prove your competency as an engineer and, together with your work experience, allows you to work towards incorporated or chartered status. The process normally takes a minimum of three to four years.
Gaining incorporated or chartered status
You could help your career development by working towards incorporated or chartered status. To do this, you should register with your professional industry body and apply to the Engineering Council.
As an incorporated engineer, you would specialise in the day-to-day management of engineering operations. At chartered level, you would have a more strategic role, planning, researching and developing new ideas, and streamlining management methods.
Where can I go for more information?
Bircham NewtonKing's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577
20-24 York Street
Belfast
BT15 1AQ
Tel: 028 9032 9878
Weston House
246 High Holborn
London
WC1B 7EX
Tel: 020 3206 0408
London
SW1X 8BH
Tel: 020 7235 4535
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Income for new graduate engineers is between £19,500 and £23,000 a year.
- Experienced engineers earn between £24,000 and £37,000.
- Chartered engineers can earn around £49,000 year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally work between 35 and 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, with a combination of office work and site visits.
Sitework would be in all weathers. You may have to travel widely, depending on the contract.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent skills in mathematics, IT and mechanics
- the ability to analyse complex problems and assess solutions
- the ability to explain design plans and ideas
- good project management skills
- the ability to meet deadlines
- excellent communication skills
- financial management ability
- excellent teamworking and people skills
- a sound knowledge of construction methods, health and safety, and legal regulations.
What opportunities are there?
Prospects are good, both in the UK and overseas, if you are a qualified structural engineer.
Projected growth in the construction sector over the next five to ten years means there should be a rise in demand for structural engineers. Large-scale projects in the south-east, such as the Thames Gateway, the development of large-capacity container ports at Shellhaven and Harwich, major rail redevelopment in London and the Olympics are expected to drive up demand for engineers.
As well as building construction, you could use your skills to work in construction design, project management, research and lecturing. With experience, you could move into consultancy work, for example providing services to building insurers.
You could also work overseas on construction and engineering projects, for example with disaster relief agencies. See RedR UK for more information about this area.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
Engineering Jobs Network
ICErecruit.com
The Engineer Online
Findanengineer.com (list of structural engineering companies)
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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