Students

Civil Engineering

Below are details about the field of study you have chosen to explore, as well as some potential careers.

Overview

The study of planning, designing, testing and directing the construction of large scale buildings and structures, and transport, water supply, pollution control and sewerage systems. It includes economic, functional and environmental considerations in the design and construction. The main purpose of this narrow field of education is to develop an understanding of the theory and technology of civil engineering and their application to the construction process, the effects of soils, water and stress on structures, and the environmental impact of civil engineering projects. It also involves developing an ability to design, organise and co-ordinate civil engineering projects.

Course skills

Civil Engineering develops skills in:

  • analysing sites and applying the principles of soil mechanics to determine construction methods
  • analysing the composition and strength of various engineering materials
  • applying the principles of fluid mechanics and hydraulics to the design and construction of watercourses and dams
  • designing civil engineering projects.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics

Careers

Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians

Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians perform technical functions to assist Construction Managers, Architects and Surveyors by supervising and inspecting construction sites, estimating time, costs and resources, inspecting plumbing work, and collecting and evaluating survey data and preparing maps and plans.

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Building and Plumbing Labourers

Building and Plumbing Labourers perform a variety of routine tasks associated with erecting and repairing structures and facilities, maintaining stormwater, drainage and sewerage systems, excavating earth and clearing and levelling sites, and installing and maintaining piping systems, fixtures and water regulators.

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Civil Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians

Civil Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians assist in civil engineering research, design, construction, operations and maintenance.

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Civil Engineering Professionals

Civil Engineering Professionals design, plan, organise and oversee the construction of civil engineering projects such as dams, bridges, pipelines, gas and water supply schemes, sewerage systems, roads, airports and other structures; analyse the likely behaviour of soil and rock when placed under pressure by proposed structures and design structural foundations; analyse the statical properties of all types of structures and test the behaviour and durability of materials used in their construction; plan and develop transportation systems; and estimate and monitor the construction costs of projects.

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Construction Managers

Construction Managers plan, organise, direct, control and coordinate the construction of civil engineering projects, buildings and dwellings, and the physical and human resources involved in building and construction.

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Earthmoving Plant Operators

Earthmoving Plant Operators operate plant to excavate earth, ore and rock, break up pavement, road, rock and obstructions, move and load earth, rock and debris, and level, smooth and compact surfaces in construction and other projects.

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Engineering Managers

Engineering Managers plan, organise, direct, control and coordinate the engineering and technical operations of organisations.

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Other Mobile Plant Operators

Other Mobile Plant Operators include Aircraft Baggage Handler and Airline Ground Crew, Linemarker, Paving Plant Operator, Railway Track Plant Operator, Road Roller Operator and Streetsweeper Operator occupations.

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Railway Track Workers

Railway Track Workers lay and repair tracks for railways, tramways, quarries and mines, and install and repair signals and other equipment.

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Structural Steel Construction Workers

Structural Steel Construction Workers assemble rigging gear to move and position equipment and structural components, erect scaffolding, position and secure steel reinforcing in concrete forms, and erect and dismantle structural steel frames.

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University Lecturers and Tutors

University Lecturers and Tutors prepare and deliver lectures and conduct tutorials in one or more subjects within a prescribed course of study at a university and conduct research in a particular field of knowledge.

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