Engineering

Civil engineers design and build the world around us – from roads and railways, to tunnels and bridges, cinemas, shopping malls and the tallest skyscrapers on the planet. In fact, without civil engineers, we’d probably still be living in caves! Civil engineering really does change the world and offers an exciting and well paid career.

If you can see you yourself creating and managing life changing structures, enjoy problem solving and are curious to know out how things work, you’ve got it in you to make a great civil engineer!

There’s a real demand for civil engineers in Scotland and superb opportunities to work abroad also. This course can give you a head start on a career in civil engineering – even while you’re still at school.

You can choose a Foundation Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering as one of your school subject choices. The course takes 2 years to complete, starting in S5 and finishing at the end of S6.

You’ll spend part of your week at college and also go out on work experience. And don’t worry about getting to and from college/employer – all your transport will be organised and paid for too.

This course lets you find out what a career in civil engineering would really be like - and if it’s right for you.

It includes:

•  A National Certificate in Civil Engineering
•  At least one unit from the SVQ3 in Civil Engineering

You’ll learn the key steps involved in a major construction project, including:

•  Producing construction drawings by hand and using computer aided design.
•  Choosing and testing the right civil engineering materials.
•  Carrying out land surveys on construction sites to help prepare site plans.
•  Preparing a building site for civil engineering work to begin.
•  Constructing a substructure (foundations), skeleton frame of a building, structural steelworks, concrete frame construction and walls.

You’ll also look at health and safety in the construction industry, mechanics and maths relevant to construction/engineering.

The work experience element will consist of a two-week work placement during the summer holidays at the end of S5 going into S6. Other employer engagement may consist of site visits, an industry challenge or employer mentoring.

WHAT DO I NEED

For a place on this course, you’ll need:

•  To have, or be working towards, a National 5 qualification in Maths.
•  To be capable of working at SCQF Level 6 (Higher level). Your Guidance Teacher can advise you on this.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED

Assessment is on an ongoing basis and will include practical sessions as well as a civil engineering project, using the new skills you’ve learned throughout the course.

NEXT STEPS

Once you’ve achieved this Foundation Apprenticeship, you’ll have an industry recognised qualification and extensive work experience which will really help in your future career.

You’ll now have a solid basis for moving onto a Modern Apprenticeship or an HNC in a range of construction or civil engineering careers specialisms such as:

•  Construction Management
•  Architectural technology
•  Quantity Surveying
•  Building Surveying