Career FAQs

Engineers design, create and maintain nearly everything we rely on in the modern world – from mobile phones to clean water - so it involves lots of different technical specialisms.

The Tomorrow’s Engineers’ ‘From idea to career’ booklet explains the main engineering specialisms … but we hope you’ll think civil or infrastructure engineering is the best for you!

Both. Civil and infrastructure engineers work in design offices, on-site, and in meetings with partners, clients and with local communities.

Some engineers love being outdoors and hate being stuck in an office.

Others prefer to be office-based and to visit sites only occasionally.

The ‘hard hats and high-vis’ image is not the whole story!

However, you need to understand the bigger picture whatever your personal preferences.

Early in their careers, civil engineers are given experience of both design and construction so that they understand the implications of their decisions on the rest of the construction team.

The average salaries for civil engineers in 2016, the latest figures published by EngineeringUK, were:

• £25,880 for new graduates
• £29,850 for technicians
• £40,953 for engineers

ICE doesn’t broker work experience placements so you will need to contact engineering employers in your area to see if they can help.

However, there are alternatives ways to get a taste of what engineering is all about:

• EDT run a number of excellent engineering taster sessions.
• The Arkwright Trust offers high quality engineering scholarships for sixth form students.
• You're welcome to attend one of the ICE’s talks or webinars if you see something of interest or, to explore our latest exhibition.

Industry is keen to take on both apprentices and graduates.

We see civil engineers and technicians progressing on both routes, including to chief executive level.

The choice is then yours! Some key points to consider are:

• How do you like to learn? Is it mostly through academic study or mostly through on the job training?
• Much is made of student debt in the UK but MoneySavingExpert offers practical advice on student finances.
• How far can your employer take you on an apprenticeship? Level 3 apprenticeships are at the same educational stage as A-levels but HNC, HND and degree level apprenticeships are available for those who want to move to higher levels.

It's also worth reading Tomorrow’s Engineers’ guidance on vocational and apprentice and university routes into engineering.

See ‘How do I become a civil engineer?’ for links to places where civil engineering apprenticeships are advertised.

First of all, you should look for a course that's accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators.

This is where the ICE and three other professional bodies work together to recognise degrees that meet the academic requirements for professional qualification.

The answer depends on how you like to learn.

Some students prefer a more traditional academic environment, while others prefer a more vocational style of learning.

Industry needs both types of people.

We recommend that you ask your preferred universities about their approach, and about their links with industry.