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Jonathon Noonan |
Jonathon Noonan talks about getting ahead with a Modern Apprenticeship. He started in the industry with a local contractor driving tractors. One day, when sub-contracted to Works Hawera, he approached Works and asked if they could offer him a job. Works recognised the young man's initiative and ...
Job Overview: Civil engineers design and supervise the building and repair of things such as buildings, roads, bridges, tunnels, dams, water supply, sewer systems and wharves. They usually specialise in one of these areas. Civil engineers work independently and as part of a team. They interact with clients and other professionals, and may be required to supervise groups of workers.
ALTERNATIVE TITLES
Professional Engineer (Civil)
Consulting Engineer
Projects Engineer
Assets Engineer
Engineer (Civil)
Roading Engineer
Structural Engineer
TASKS AND DUTIES
Civil engineers day-to-day tasks include:
- consult with clients, other professionals and government officials
- study, evaluate and investigate construction and land development sites
- design structures such as roads, drainage and buildings that are required for the site
- work within the guidelines of the local government authority, New Zealand standards, building code and regulations
- get plans approved by relevant authorities
- prepare cost estimates and contract documents for the work
- tender out the contract and find contractors to do the work
- supervise and monitor construction to ensure the structure is built in accordance with the construction drawings and specifications
TRAITS OF A GOOD CIVIL / CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERCivil engineers should also have design skills and skill in interpreting construction plans. Excellent communication skills are essential.
Civil engineers need to know about:
-how to write and manage contracts and the tendering process
-surveying methods
-environmental issues
-building and safety regulations
-relevant government legislation; for example, the Building Act, Resource Management Act and Transit New Zealand Act
-local authority and government regulations and standards
-acceptable standards and regulations for construction
-how to read and draw plans
Civil engineers should be computer literate in order to use design, drawing and word processing software. They also need to have a technical knowledge of civil engineering design.
Civil engineers must be self-disciplined, safety-conscious, adaptable and practical, with an eye for detail. They should also be able to make good judgments, work well under pressure and work independently and in a team.
There are no physical requirements for civil engineers, but reasonable fitness is required if working on a site.
QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING NEEDED
There are many ways in which you can become qualified for this industry. At professional level a four-year Bachelor of Engineering, plus work experience is required or at technologist level a three year Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Highways). The four year degrees can be done through full time study at
Civil engineering technicians can gain recognition of their practical applied skills by completing a National Diploma in Civil Engineering (Applied). The NDCE (Applied) is offered by InfraTrain. As a prerequisite for the NDCE (Applied), candidates must complete a New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil) at a local provider. The applied skills component of the NDCE (Applied) is completed through the assessment and recognition of appropriate work experience and the practical application of skills. Most of the evidence required for this component is compiled from work activities. The NDCE (Applied) has been developed in partnership with the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ). Graduates can seek registration as a Certified Engineering Technician with IPENZ, together with Associate Membership.
At technician level students can study locally towards a New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil) or Diploma in Highway Engineering, while engaged in full time civil or construction engineering employment. These 1 and 2 year fulltime equivalent qualifications but are offered in a part time format involving both block courses and self-directed study, typical completion time for part time study is 2 to 5 years. The requirement for these diploma courses is NCEA level 2, preferably in maths (calculus or statistics), technical drawing and at least one science related subject.
At trades level, InfraTrain offers a range of National Certificates in areas such as civil construction, pavement surfacing, roadmarking, horizontal directional drilling, infrastructure pipelaying, demolition, infrastructure asset management and first line management.
As a lead in to these qualifications, a National Certificate in Civil Infrastructure – General Introductory Skills, can be completed either locally or through InfraTrain.
Useful experience for civil engineers includes work in the building construction or roading industries, environmental, draughting or surveying work. After completing qualifications, gaining appropriate work experience (usually four to five years) and completing practical competency assessment civil engineers may apply to the Institution of Professional Engineers of New Zealand (IPENZ) to become a member at chartered, professional, technologist or technician engineer levels. To maintain registration chartered engineers (CPEng) must show that they are competent to practice at least every five years and usually need to display evidence of undertaking professional development .
Find Training Providers in our Education Directory:
InfraTrain New Zealand
Massey University
Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT)
Local Industry Training Organisation (ITO)
Name: InfraTrain
Free Phone: 0800 486 626
Email: askus@infratrain.co.nz
Website: http://www.infratrain.co.nz/
Local Apprenticeship Co-ordinator
Infra Train ITO
Name: Adrian Gozdz
Contact: InfraTrain Regional Advisor
Phone: (06) 359 1463
Email: leeann@infratrain.co.nz
Website: http://www.infratrain.co.nz
STUDY COSTS
Course fees vary depending on the type of course and institute enrolled in.
Degree courses cost can be anything from $3,600 per year for 3 or 4 years (please check with provider for Diploma level qualifications).
These study costs do not include travel and accommodation to attend block courses.
The cost of trade level qualifications varies and subsidies are available. These qualifications are often completed on the job, so trainees can earn while they learn with no student loan.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
Civil engineers work indoors in offices and may work outdoors at different work sites depending on their area of specialisation. Some civil engineers work overseas on contracts. Equipment civil engineers may use includes:
-design software programs
-CAD (computer-aided design) software
-plans and construction drawings
-safety equipment
-protective clothing including wet-weather gear and gumboots
-surveying, measuring and testing equipment
-a camera or digital camera
-reference materials.
Civil engineers usually work regular hours, but may need to work evenings and weekends. They may also need to be on call.
Salaries vary and depend on experience, but civil engineers usually earn between $35,000 and $120,000 per year, depending on experience and level of qualifications.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES - Where can this qualification lead to in the future?
The outlook for civil engineers is good and the need for employers is expected to grow. There is a demand for graduates from all disciplines and experienced civil engineers at an intermediate level. There has also been an increased demand for environmental engineers as people, councils and companies are now more aware of the requirements to protect the environment.A lot of civil engineering revolves around public works, such as water services, storm water and roading, and is dependent on local authority rates, government policy and the state of the economy. Local and national projects are driving the need for engineers. Civil engineering work is also influenced by private development, which in turn is linked to population growth and the state of the economy. The building of infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, remains important in New Zealand, particularly as the population grows, so more money is being spent on construction.
Graduates are requiring more skills in the area of communications, as all projects require them to consult in detail with the public before starting a project. Graduates can expect to find work quickly after completing their courses, but a higher standard and level of education is required due to the competitive nature of the job.
Many international companies now have footholds in New Zealand, which means that graduates can travel to almost any location in the world if they choose.
COMPANY PROFILES
Below is a list of Taranaki businesses that employ civil/construction engineers (these are only example businesses for you to research this particular career choice). In addition, write-ups featured in the Career Profiles section provide some insight into the work environment and opportunities available within the industry.
- Apex Consultants Ltd, New Plymouth and Hawera
- Transfield Worley Ltd, Gill Street, New Plymouth
- Duffill Watts and King Ltd, Port Taranaki
David Levene Foundation Bursaries
RELEVANT CONTACTS
New Zealand Institute of Highway Technology| Phone: | (06) 759 7065 |
| Email: | admin@nzint.co.nz |
| Website: | http://www.nziht.co.nz |
InfraTrain
| Website: | http://www.infratrain.co.nz |
Institution of Professional Engineers NZ (IPENZ)
| Website: | http://www.ipenz.org.nz/ipenz |
Transit New Zealand
| Website: | http://www.transit.govt.nz |
Association of Consulting Engineers in New Zealand Inc.
| Website: | http://www.acenz.org.nz |
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