Civil engineer
Design, plan and manage the construction of large buildings, transport links and major structures. You'd champion green building practices and sustainable infrastructure.
About the job
A day in the life – Civil engineer
What it's like
You would plan, design and manage construction for infrastructure projects like transport, water, flood alleviation, building structures, etc.
You’d explain your ideas to the client and make sure that the project is finished on time and to budget.
The projects you’d work on could be anything from bridges and tall buildings to transport links and sports arenas.
You could work in one of these specialist areas:
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.
You might work on feasibility and design, preparing drawings, models and specifications in a design office, or work on site ensuring the construction work is completed accurately, on time and to budget.
At the start of the project you would be:
planning the project requirements with your client and colleagues
using computer modelling software to analyse data from surveys, tests and maps
creating computer aided designs and models
assessing the environmental impact and the risks of a project
Once a project is underway you would be:
directing and check 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’d work closely with other professionals such as architects, other engineering disciplines, surveyors and building contractors.
Green jobÂ
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.Â
Hours
Environment
Travel
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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.
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.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From February 2024 to February 2025.
- civil engineering
- autocad civil 3d
- drainage design
- civil engineering design
- civil design
- bridge design
- roadway design
- civil engineering software
- directional boring
- stormcad
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:
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
Foundation Apprenticeship: Construction
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
Applications of Mathematics
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.
You can become a civil engineer by doing a Modern Apprenticeship, Graduate Apprenticeship, or part-time or full-time college or university courses leading to qualifications such as SVQ, NC, HNC, HND, BEng or MEng degrees. There are clear progression routes from each level.
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 5 qualifications and one to two Highers or a relevant National Certificate.
To enter a BEng or MEng degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and four to five Highers or a relevant HND.
Civil engineering covers a wide range of subjects, so any science, social science or artistic/creative subjects will help. Other skills outside of academic qualifications are very important, such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, creativity and resilience.
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Civil engineer'
