Civil Engineering
Study Civil Engineering: Build a Better World, One Structure at a Time!
What is Civil Engineering?
Civil engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure and public works. It involves the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of buildings, roads, bridges, tunnels, airports, dams, water supply systems, sewage systems, and other structures that are essential for modern society.
Civil engineers use principles of mathematics, physics, and mechanics to design and construct infrastructure that meets communities' needs. They must consider factors such as environmental impact, safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness when designing and constructing projects.
Why choose a career in Civil Engineering?
The next generation of Civil Engineers have a unique opportunity, as engineering over the next 30 years will be focused on reducing carbon emissions to a level for the environment to heal itself, essentially tasked with saving the planet we live on.
With global temperatures rising and Scotland signing up to be Net Zero carbon by 2045, as future Engineers you will need to design, construct and maintain structures to meet the new carbon reduction targets. Our infrastructure contributes to around 70% of the carbon generated. Therefore, Civil Engineers are tasked with reducing carbon in this area.
The NC course is an ideal first step to exploring the world of civil engineering and creating a rewarding career that could benefit generations to come!
Civil Engineering is designed to meet the needs of employers both locally and nationally. Employers highly value the employability skills developed through similar courses (such as NPA and SVQ programmes) as they equip learners with the skills and knowledge for the realities of the workplace.
What does the course entail?
There are various units over the course of the year designed to challenge each learner and to introduce topics involved within the sector. These include:
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Computer Aided Drafting: An Introduction
- Construction Site Surveying: An Introduction
- Civil Engineering Materials
- Civil Engineering Project
- Modern Methods of Construction
- Civil Engineering Sitework
- Health and Safety in the Construction Industry
- Mathematics: Craft 1
- Mechanics for Construction: An Introduction
- Construction Engineering Mathematics
- Sustainability in the Construction Industry
Where is the course held?
Scottish Borders Campus, Galashiels
Delivery will be 2 1/2 days per week, with a mixture of classroom, computer lab and practical training. The course, however, is predominantly theory work.
Where do you go from here?
Upon completion of the course, there are 2 obvious routes to employment: you can take the apprenticeship route, which can be linked to university to gain your degree while working and earning, or you can continue to HNC HND and University.
There are many different job roles available in the civil engineering sector in Scotland, including:
- Structural Engineer: A Structural Engineer designs and analyses buildings, bridges, and other structures to ensure they are safe and structurally sound.
- Transportation Engineer: A Transportation Engineer is responsible for designing and managing transportation systems such as highways, airports, and railways.
- Geotechnical Engineer: A Geotechnical Engineer studies the properties of soil and rock and how they interact with structures. They design foundations and earthworks to ensure stability.
- Water Resource Engineer: A Water Resource Engineer designs and manages water supply systems, including dams, reservoirs, and treatment plants.
- Construction Manager: A Construction Manager oversees the construction process from start to finish, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Environmental Engineer: An Environmental Engineer designs and implements systems to protect the environment, such as waste management and pollution control systems.
- Project Manager: A Project Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of a construction project, from planning to completion.
- Surveyor: A Surveyor is responsible for measuring and mapping land to provide information for construction projects and property transactions.
- Materials Engineer: A Materials Engineer studies the properties of construction materials and develops new materials for use in construction.
These are just a few of the many job roles available in the civil engineering sector in Scotland.
A career in civil engineering
A career in civil engineering holds immense importance and relevance in today's world. It encompasses societal progress, technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and personal fulfilment.
Be the architect of tomorrow's sustainable cities and resilient infrastructures
Civil engineering empowers you to shape the world, designing infrastructure that enhances communities and enriches lives.
