Structural engineering is an important branch of civil engineering in the construction industry. It is the job of a structural engineer to design the framework that holds a building or structure together, to make it strong enough and flexible enough to withstand the stresses and strains put on it over its lifetime.

Structural engineers' work involves:

• meeting clients and developing design plans
• investigating the properties of materials, like glass, steel and concrete, and advising on which may be most suitable for the project
• working out the loads and stresses on different parts of a structure, such as foundations, beams, arches and walls
• using computer simulations to predict how structures would react under different conditions, for example storm-force winds, earth tremors or sabotage
• inspecting unsafe structures and recommending options for repairs or demolition
• making sure that projects meet with legal guidelines, environmental directives, and health and safety requirements.

Structural engineers work closely with architects, contractors and surveyors on many construction projects such as new offices and apartment blocks, sports arenas, bridges, dams and tunnels. Their designs have to be cost-efficient, allow the structure to fulfil its intended purpose - and be visually appealing.

They also prepare bids for tenders, supervise project teams and give progress reports to clients and senior managers.

Hours and Environment

Structural engineers work 35 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, with a combination of office work and site visits.

As a structural engineer, you may have to travel widely, depending on the contract. You will work in all weathers and wear protective clothing when on site.

Skills and Interests

As a structural engineer, you need:

• excellent skills in mathematics, IT and mechanics
• the ability to analyse complex problems and critically assess solutions
• the ability to visualise and explain design plans
• good project management skills and the ability to meet deadlines
• excellent communication skills
• financial management skills
• excellent interpersonal and teamworking skills
• a sound knowledge of construction methods, health and safety and legal regulations. 

Entry

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. This is important if you want to achieve incorporated or chartered engineer status later in your career (see Training below for more details). You can take other engineering-related subjects but it may take longer to qualify.

For a degree course in engineering, you will need at least five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) and two or three A levels/three or four H grades, including maths and a science subject (normally physics), or equivalent qualifications, such as vocational A levels. Colleges or universities may accept a relevant Access to Higher Education award for entry to certain courses. Please check with them for exact entry requirements.

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.

For details about structural engineering careers and courses, go to the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE).

See the websites for SEMTA and Women into Science and Engineering for general information about engineering careers. The Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) also has careers information and a course database for local colleges. See their websites in Further Information.

Training

You can get on to a graduate training scheme with a company if you hold 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. It lays out the minimum core skills and knowledge needed to prove your competency as an engineer and, coupled with your work experience, allows you to progress towards incorporated or chartered status. The process normally takes a minimum of three to four years.

Gaining incorporated or chartered status
Professional engineering bodies recommend that you gain incorporated or chartered status to enhance your career prospects. You can achieve this by registering with a professional body and applying to the Engineering Council to start the process.

Chartered engineers normally work at a strategic level, planning, researching and developing new designs and innovations, and streamlining management procedures. They are often project leaders with responsibility for teams of incorporated engineers and technicians. Incorporated engineers specialise in the day-to-day management of engineering operations.

To qualify as an incorporated or chartered civil engineer, you need:

• an accredited university qualification
• a period of Initial Professional Development, including practical training to gain experience
• to pass a professional review 
• membership of an appropriate professional body.

As part of the process, you are assessed against UK-SPEC (UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence), developed by professional bodies, employers and the Engineering Council.

You can find detailed information about accredited courses and the registration process on the Engineering Council and IStructE websites in Further Information.

Opportunities

Prospects for qualified structural engineers are good, both in the UK and overseas.

Projected growth in the construction sector over the next five to ten years will mean a rise in demand for structural engineers. Large-scale projects in the south-east, such as the Thames Gateway, the development of large-capacity container ports at Shellhaven and Harwich, major rail redevelopment in London and the Olympics are expected to drive demand for structural engineers.

As well as building construction, structural engineering offers options in construction design, project management, research and lecturing.  With experience, you can move into consultancy work, for example providing services to building insurers.

You can also work overseas on construction and engineering projects, for example with disaster relief agencies. See Engineers for Disaster Relief (RedR-IHE) for more information.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Income for new graduate engineers is between £19,500 and £23,000 a year.
Experienced engineers earn between £24,000 and £37,000.
Chartered engineers can earn around £49,000 year.

Further information

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London
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