Construction engineering

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A variety of engineers are involved in the design and construction of the built environment. Civil engineering involves construction of highways, bridges, railways and drainage systems. This often involves organisational and management work to get things to happen at the right time. Structural engineers tend to work on structures above ground, particularly buildings – the focus is the technical challenge of making structures work properly. Building services engineers work on the mechanical and electrical systems, heating and ventilation of structures.

Current aims include developing natural ventilation techniques and improving energy efficiency. Consultants focus on design, while contractors build projects. It’s possible to work for clients, such as developers, and there are some academic posts. Local and national government present opportunities to work in building control and regulation.

Trends and developments in the construction industry

The credit crunch has had a significant effect on the industry in the last year. Construction in the private sector, ie retail, housing and offices, has slowed down significantly and this has had a knock-on effect on those firms designing and building in these sectors. However, other sectors are still buoyant and major infrastructure projects such as the new Forth Bridge, Crossrail and Thameslink, and the work for the 2012 Olympics are all keeping the industry afloat. Public sector building work on schools and hospitals also benefits from long-term investment programmes.

What it’s like working in the built environment

The built environment is fast paced. Demanding clients cause quite a lot of pressure, but there’s a great feeling of achievement at the end. You need to able to cope with change without making mistakes, and deliver projects on time. It’s a global business so mobility is useful. Projects can range from a nine-month fast-track job to a major redevelopment that takes ten years. Work is very much in teams, and offices tend to be open plan. You could work on several small projects or in a dedicated team for a big project. Recent graduates might be assigned entire small jobs to gain experience.

Getting a graduate engineering job in construction

Technical competence is vital, so you need a good degree as a basis, but it’s important to have a rounded personality. We tend to look for people who will work well in a team, with a good personality and a sense of humour. Most graduate recruitment is through consultants or contractors, but professional training requires experience both on site and in the design office so you’ll work at both. You can specialise later on, and it’s possible to stay technical or move into management.

The highlights of a career in the built environment

• The satisfaction of building things and providing society with what it needs.
• The variety of work.
• The opportunity to travel.

The construction industry seeks graduates in...

• Civil/structural
• Control
• Electrical
• Electronics
• Environmental
• Mechanical
• Power systems
• Telecoms

Dave Beattie, CEng MICE MIStructE, is a director of ARUP. He has a BSc in civil and structural engineering from Cardiff University and an MSc in environmental assessment from Oxford Brookes University. He has worked in the industry for 40 years.