Structural Engineer

Introduction
Structural engineers design the superstructure and foundations for buildings
such as residential tower blocks, and other structures, such as bridges and oil
platforms. They make sure that a structure is stable and that it can withstand
forces due to wind and occupancy.

Also known as
Civil/Structural Engineer
Engineer, Structural

Work Activities
Structural engineers primarily concern themselves with the design of the super-structure and foundations for
buildings and structures, such as bridges, sports stadia, tower blocks and oil platforms.

They also carry out inspections of existing structures for maintenance purposes and assist with significant
refurbishments. This is especially the case with listed buildings.

They take into account their strength, shape and function. They make sure that a structure is stable and that it can
withstand any forces which it is reasonably projected to be subjected to during its lifespan.

Structural engineers are usually part of a design team with other professionals. Typically, such teams are made up of
architects, quantity surveyors, building services engineers and environmental and financial consultants.

At the start of a new project, the design team looks at factors such as the environmental impact, cost and function of
the structure to decide if and how a project may proceed.

During the design process, structural engineers prepare design documents that consist of drawings and
specifications on the materials used to build the structure. These are then submitted to construction companies, who
bid for the contract to carry out the project. This is known as a 'tender process' and the companies, known as
contractors, submit tenders to win the contract.

Once a contractor is appointed, the structural engineer produces enhanced detailed design documentation to enable
the construction phase of the project to begin.

During the construction phase of the project, the structural engineer makes on-site checks to ensure the project is
following the design documentation.

Typically, the contractor supervises the building of foundations and super-structure. They will employ structural
engineers to carry out the required inspections on their behalf.

Being able to read, write and speak Welsh may be an advantage when you’re looking for work in Wales.

Personal Qualities and Skills

As a structural engineer, you'll need:

To be able to analyse and solve problems.

Good written and spoken word communication skills.
The confidence to supervise others.
To be a good teamworker.
Strong organisational skills to cope with the many different stages of a construction project.
An interest in buildings and how they are built.
Good maths and IT skills.
An interest in physics.

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 Good graphical communication skills, ie, technical drawing.

Pay and Opportunities

Pay

Salaries vary depending on the company and level of responsibility.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Graduate structural engineers earn in the range of £22,000 - £28,000, rising to £35,500 - £43,500 once they become
fully qualified. Senior positions can earn in excess of £50,000.

Hours of work

Most structural engineers work around 35-40 hours, Monday to Friday. There are times however when you may have
early starts and late finishes, and you may need to work some weekends. This will be due to the demands of a project
and the deadlines set within it.

Where could I work?

Employers are firms of engineering consultants, building and civil engineering contractors, local authorities, and gas,
water and electricity companies. Other employers include the Civil Service, manufacturing industry and the armed
forces.

Opportunities for structural engineers occur with employers in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Frequently, opportunities occur for structural engineers to work on projects all over the world. The most common
locations are the Middle East, Asia and Australasia.

Self-employment

It is very common for structural engineers to set up on their own and work as a 'sole practitioner'. They typically work
on small domestic projects with builders of extensions and repairs to existing residential buildings.

It is also possible to work as a freelance contract engineer, where organisations employ the engineer directly through
their own company.

Some senior engineers specialise in certain fields within the profession and become experts/consultants in that field.
Examples include, stadia design and the use of certain materials, such as timber or glass.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in trade magazines, such as The Structural Engineer and New Civil Engineer.

Vacancies are also advertised on all the major job boards, on Universal Jobmatch, and at Jobcentre Plus.

Entry Routes and Training

Entry routes

You need an accredited Master of Engineering (MEng) degree or Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) honours degree in
civil engineering, or a related subject, to become a Chartered Engineer. These can be studied as sandwich courses,
which include work experience.

Alternatively it is possible to become an Incorporated Engineer by gaining a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree or
HNCs/HNDs in Civil Engineering.

The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) can provide lists of
accredited courses.

A Degree Apprenticeship is also a great place to start.

Foundation degrees in civil engineering are available at various universities and colleges of higher education

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 throughout the UK. These can lead on to relevant degree courses.

Training

After obtaining a degree, HND or HNC, you must have a period of approved training and work experience to become
fully qualified. To become a member of the Institution of Structural Engineers, you must also pass a professional
examination or have published research work assessed.

Progression

Structural engineers' careers branch off into different elements of the field. They can be a specialist in a certain
material, a project design engineer, or a practice manager. The field is broad enough to fit many different types of
engineer.

Local authorities and larger private consultancies have a structured set of promotion routes.

Qualifications
To enter a degree course in civil/structural engineering, you will usually need:

2/3 A levels, including Maths, English, Physics or Engineering Science.

GCSEs at grade C/4 or above in your A level subjects.
A further 2/3 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English and an additional science subject.

Other qualifications are often acceptable as alternatives to A levels, for example:

BTEC Level 3 qualifications

The International Baccalaureate Diploma.

However, course requirements vary, so please check college/university websites very carefully

Some universities offer foundation courses for applicants without the appropriate maths and science qualifications.

To get onto a Degree Apprenticeship, you will usually need at least 2 A levels.

To enter a relevant HND, HNC or foundation degree, you will usually need:

1 A level; preferred subjects include Maths, Physics and Engineering Science.

A GCSE at grade C/4 or above in your A level subject.
A further 3/4 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English, Maths and a science subject.

Some universities accept the Welsh Baccalaureate as equivalent to 1 A-level.

Adult Opportunities
Age limits

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show
there is a real need to have these limits.

Skills/experience

People without relevant qualifications or skills gained in the construction industry or as an engineering technician,
will find it difficult to gain employment.

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 Applicants at engineering technician level have a good chance of advancement.

Courses

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access
course (eg, Access to Engineering) could be the way in.

These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal
qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

People without the usual academic qualifications can achieve membership of both the Institution of Civil Engineers
(ICE) and Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) via the Technical Report Route (TRR). See their respective
websites for guidance on entry requirements.

Numerous institutions offer relevant postgraduate courses via distance learning.

Funding

ICE Quest Scholarships are available to candidates with a conditional offer for an ICE accredited course in civil
engineering.

Sponsorship for study at higher education level is also available through larger consultancies and
building/construction companies.

Statistics

4% of structural engineers work part-time.

16% have flexible hours.
7% of employees work on a temporary basis.

Further Information
Professional institutionsProfessional institutions have the following roles:

To support their members.

To protect the public by keeping standards high in their professions.

Both the IStructE and the ICE are the professional institutions for people working in civil and structural engineering
fields.

Contacts

LGjobs
Local government vacancies
Website: www.lgjobs.com

myjobscotland: Scottish local government vacancies

Scottish enquiries
Website: www.myjobscotland.gov.uk

Semta
Skills for science, engineering and manufacturing technologies
Address: 14 Upton Road, Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 0JT
Tel: 0845 6439001
Email: customerservices@semta.org.uk
Website: www.semta.org.uk

The Engineer
Engineering technology news
Website: www.theengineer.co.uk

Tomorrow's Engineers
Publisher: EngineeringUK and Royal Academy of Engineering

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 Email: contactus@tomorrowsengineers.org.uk
Website: www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk

GreenJobs
Website: www.greenjobs.co.uk

CITB-ConstructionSkills
Skills for the construction industry
Address: Bircham Newton, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE31 6RH
Website: www.cskills.org

CITB-ConstructionSkills Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Enquiries
Address: Nutts Corner Training Centre, 17 Dundrod Road, Crumlin, County Antrim BT29 4SR
Tel: 028 9082 5466
Email: info@citbcsni.org.uk
Website: www.citbcsni.org.uk

Construction Employers Federation (CEF)

Irish enquiries
Address: 143 Malone Road, Belfast BT9 6SU
Tel: 028 9087 7143
Email: mail@cefni.co.uk
Website: www.cefni.co.uk

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)

Address: Bircham Newton, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE31 6RH
Tel: 0844 5768777
Website: www.cscs.uk.com

bConstructive
Publisher: CITB-ConstructionSkills
Website: www.bconstructive.co.uk

Association of Building Engineers (ABE)

Address: Lutyens House, Billing Brook Road, Weston Favell, Northampton NN3 8NW
Tel: 01604 404121
Email: building.engineers@abe.org.uk
Website: www.abe.org.uk

Inside Careers
Specialists in graduate careers
Address: Unit 6, The Quad, 49 Atalanta Street, Fulham, London SW6 6TU
Tel: 020 7565 7900
Website: www.insidecareers.co.uk

Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB)

Address: Blue Court, Church Lane, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire WD4 8JP
Tel: 01923 260000
Email: ecitb@ecitb.org.uk
Website: careers.ecitb.org.uk

Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)

Address: One Great George Street, Westminster, London SW1P 3AA
Tel: 020 7222 7722
Website: www.ice.org.uk

Engineer Jobs
Publisher: Venture Marketing Group
Website: www.engineerjobs.co.uk

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 Getting into Engineering Courses
Author: James Burnett Publisher: Trotman

Scottish Engineering
Scottish enquiries
Address: 105 West George Street, Glasgow G2 1QL
Tel: 0141 2213181
Email: consult@scottishengineering.org.uk
Website: www.scottishengineering.org.uk

Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)

Address: 11 Upper Belgrave Street, London SW1X 8BH
Tel: 020 7235 4535
Email: mail@istructe.org
Website: www.istructe.org

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