Examples of their work are all around us. From the roads and bridges that we drive on to the homes that we live in, it's not difficult to appreciate just how important civil engineers are to the quality of our daily living.

In Western Australia, around 1,700 people work as civil engineers. Over 80% work in the Perth metropolitan area. Close to 4% of civil engineers in WA work in the South West region, while 4% work in the Pilbara region.

Degree courses in civil engineering are offered through Curtin University of Technology and the University of Western Australia. Each year, approximately 80 places are offered in this degree course.

A Roof Over Our Heads

If it were not for civil engineers, we might still be calling caves and other makeshift shelters our homes, and our offices would certainly not be located on the 17th floor of that tall tower. Civil engineers plan, design, develop and manage projects such as the construction and repair of buildings, airports, and ports. Roads, railways and bridges are also the products of civil engineering as are dams, pipelines and other water distribution and sanitation systems.


The Many Facets of Civil Engineering

Depending on the chosen area of specialisation, civil engineers are involved in planning, designing or construction activities that allow a project to be completed.

Geotechnical or soil engineers, for example, carry out investigations into issues such as the stability of ground at the proposed building site. Materials and testing engineers research and evaluate the suitability of the building material to be used for the proposed structure. Structural engineers, on the other hand, are responsible for designing strucutures and considering such issues as stability or strength.

Other civil engineers focus on the type of structure to be built. For instance, water resource engineers design, build and advise on the effective operation of water resource facilities.

Civil engineers are primarily employed by engineering consulting companies, government departments, local government authorities and private construction firms. Many are self-employed as consultants or construction contractors, while others may choose to work as university lecturers. Many engineers end up in senior management and executive positions.

As there are many issues to consider in the planning and construction of buildings or structures, civil engineers work closely with other professionals including architects, government officials, scientists, lawyers, bankers, contractors, property owners and project developers.

Civil engineers work from offices but also spend much of their time on construction sites. While this is technically a Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 job, project deadlines can mean working longer hours.

Regardless of the area of specialisation, all civil engineers need to have good communication, analytical and problem solving skills. Computing and organisational skills are equally important for budding civil engineers.

''Experience is key in this field. Work experience during the summer break provides excellent opportunities for future employment, and it's important to make contact with engineering companies while studying to find out about vacation work opportunities,'' says Richard Usher, former Director of Engineers Australia.

Major employers visit the universities each year looking for graduates and may also offer opportunities. It's no secret that networking pays off in finding employment. Engineers Australia provides membership to students and offers a variety of events throughout the year at which you can network and explore prospective employment opportunities.


Salaries begin at $41,000 per year and can range up to $120,000, depending on experience, particularly at the senior management level.

If you're interested in civil engineering, regardless of the area of specialisation, you'll need completion of Year 12 and a good TEE score. Physics, chemistry and maths are required subjects.

To become a civil engineer, you need to complete a four-year degree in engineering. Curtin Universityof Technology and the University of Western Australia offer Bachelor of Engineering degree courses with a major in civil engineering.

Entrance into a university degree course may also be attained through the completion of a Diploma of Civil Engineering, which is offered through the Bunbury campus of TAFE. It is important to talk to the universities as to the units of credit that will be recognised by them. Those with diploma qualifications may find work as engineering draftspersons or survey hands.

	TAFE Colleges
	Homepage links and contact details for all TAFE Colleges in WA.
	TAFE Handbook
	An online guide to full-time TAFE courses available throughout WA.
	Universities
	Homepage links and contact details for all Universities in WA.

Engineers Australia, WA Division
712 Murray Street West Perth WA 6005 Ph: (08) 9321 3340 Email: wa@engineersaustralia.org.au URL: http://www.engineersaustralia.org.au

Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers, Australia
Suite 1/12 - 14 Thelma Street West Perth WA 6005 Ph: (08) 9321 8187 Fax: (08) 9481 5664 Email: infowa@apesma.asn.au URL: http://www.apesma.asn.au

Institution of Engineering and Mining Surveyors (WA)
Unit 2-154 Hampden Rd Nedlands WA 6009 Ph: (08) 9386 6601 Email: ssiwa@iinet.net.au URL: http://www.home.aone.au/iemsaust

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Few people would associate engineers with the saving of lives, but as Charles Waterton explains,

''By designing and constructing systems that supply fresh clean water to the home and sewerage systems that take away human waste, engineers have saved countless lives over the past two hundred years.''

At school, Charles was interested in maths and science and enjoyed the challenge of problem solving. Because of these interests, he saw engineering as a logical career choice.

''When solving engineering-related problems, you have to quantify them. Therefore, you need to be able to understand the mathematics behind that problem.''

Other useful qualities for future engineers are a sense of curiosity, being able to work in a team, and practical ability.

''You need to be constantly wondering; What will happen if I change the materials that I am working with or how can I best make use of the existing landscape? This is where new developments arise from. You push out the boundaries and then solve the problems that come from the questions you ask yourself,'' says Charles.

The widespread use of electronic technologies has meant that the occupation and the skills required of civil engineers are changing. Charles laughs when he recalls that 10 years ago one of his bosses told him that there would never be a need for every engineer to have a computer on his or her desk.

Charles says the benefits of a career in engineering include solving problems and looking at his creations and knowing that they have a 'little bit of me' in them. Charles also talks animatedly about the exciting travel opportunities available in his profession.

''Engineering opportunities are available worldwide and lots of engineers make it their life work to chase overseas jobs.''

Charles regrets that engineers do not get the recognition they deserve, but says that this is possibly due to the fact that engineers do not promote themselves enough. He also says that while the travel opportunities are great, they may become disruptive to an individual's lifestyle.

So what advice does Charles offer to future engineers?

''Do it. It's a very rewarding career.''

He adds, ''It's a bit unsexy because it's bloody hard work, but I wouldn't do anything else.''