Designing a Structure to Stand the Test of Time ; in Association With Publicjobswales.Co.UK
By MICHELLE RUSHTON
WHAT does a career in structural engineering involve?
Structural engineering is an important branch of civil engineering in the construction sector. Engineers design the framework that holds a building or structure together, so it is strong enough and flexible enough to withstand the stresses and strains put on it over its lifetime.
Structural engineers work on many construction projects such as new offices and apartment blocks, sports arenas, bridges, dams and tunnels.
Their work involves meeting clients and developing design plans and investigating the properties of materials, like glass, steel and concrete, and advising the most suitable for the project.
They have to work out the loads and stresses on different parts of a structure, such as foundations, beams, arches and walls.
The designs have to be cost-efficient as well as visually appealing.
They use computer simulations to predict how structures would react under different conditions, for example storm-force winds, earth tremors or sabotage.
Another important part of their work is to inspect unsafe structures and recommend options for repairs or demolition.
An important part of the job is making sure that projects meet with legal guidelines, environmental directives, and health and safety requirements.
Structural engineers also prepare bids for tenders, supervise project teams and give progress reports to clients and senior managers.
What personal skills do you need?
You need to be good at maths, IT and mechanics, with excellent problem solving skills and a thorough knowledge of construction methods, health and safety and legal regulations.
Communication skills are needed for explaining design plans to clients. You also need good project and time management skills for meeting deadlines. You must be able to work out budgets and work as part of a team.
You must be prepared to travel and work in all weathers.
What training do you need?
To become a structural engineer you will need a three-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (BEng) or four-year Masters degree (MEng) in structural engineering or civil engineering.
Or you can get into this career at technician level, after studying for a BTEC HNC/HND or foundation degree in engineering, then gaining further qualifications as you work.
Some companies offer graduate training schemes for those with a degree or postgraduate award in engineering.
The flexible Initial Professional Development scheme, run by the IStructE, is an important bridge between leaving college and achieving professional qualifications, allowing people to work towards incorporated or chartered status.
What are the opportunities for career advancement?
There is a rise in demand for structural engineers. The career offers scope to move into construction design, project management, research and lecturing and, with experience, you can move into consultancy work.
What is the salary?
As a rough guideline new graduate engineers earn around pounds 19,500 and pounds 23,000 a year rising to pounds 24,000 – pounds 37,000 with experience.
More information
Institution of Structural Engineers www.istructe.org.uk
Science Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Alliance (SEMTA) www.semta.org.uk
Women into Science and Engineering www.wisecampaign.org.uk
Engineering Council www.engc.org.uk
UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) www.uk-spec.org.uk
(c) 2007 Daily Post; Liverpool. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.