In Summary
Civil engineers improve and protect the world around us. They make our towns and cities work for those that live there through sustainable means as well as protecting people and property against the effects of climate change.
As a civil engineer, you be responsible for the management of resources and guidance of staff. You will use mathematical methods to solve common engineering problems. You will ensure that cost effective systems and procedures are applied on all projects. You will communicate with colleagues and other parties on various elements of the project.
View Occupation Profile from Apprenticeship.ie
To view full details of this occupation, view information from our Careers database for the following occupation: Civil Engineering Level 7
Entry Requirements
At least 18 years of age.
• QQI Level 5 (or equivalent).
• An interest in Mathematics and problem solving.
• Pass Grade in Maths at Level 5 (or Equivalent).
• Interest in Civil Engineering and the built environment.
• Solid literacy, verbal, and numeracy skills.
• Ability to plan and prepare work.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good computer skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Safety focused.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Training
Programme Structure
• These apprenticeships are of either 2 or 3 year duration
• Higher Certificate – Level 6 – 2 years
• Bachelor of Engineering – Level 7 – 3 years
• You will be trained and assessed both On and Off the Job.
Off the Job training will include:
• 1 week residential (week one)– Project based learning.
• Lectures delivered online on 1 full day (8hrs) per week.
• Apprentices will attend campus on 1 additional day (Friday) per month to carry out Labs/ workshops.
Skills & Qualities
As a civil engineer you will work as in a team with a number of people including other engineers, sub-contractors, clients, quantity surveyors and local authorities.
- You will need to keep up-to-date with the latest materials, methods and techniques in design and construction.
- Computers are often used to calculate dimensions, produce accurate drawings, keep records and help plan the order of work.
- A good understanding of maths and physics is beneficial.
- You must be able to delegate work and work to schedule.
- Civil engineers also need to cope with and solve any problems or difficulties that may arise on-site.
Work Activities
Calculate dimensions, square footage, profile and component specifications, and material quantities using calculator or computer.
Read and review project blueprints and structural specifications to determine dimensions of structure or system and material requirements.
Draft detailed dimensional drawings and design layouts for projects and to ensure conformance to specifications.
Confer with supervisor to determine project details such as plan preparation, acceptance testing, and evaluation of field conditions.
Analyse proposed site factors and design maps, graphs, tracings, and diagrams to illustrate findings.
Clonmel Enterprise - Project Promotion from CIFIreland on Vimeo.
Prepare reports and document project activities and data.
Report maintenance problems occurring at project site to supervisor and negotiate changes to resolve system conflicts.
Inspect project site and evaluate contractor work to detect design malfunctions and ensure conformance to design specifications and applicable codes.
Conduct materials test and analysis using tools and equipment and applying engineering knowledge.
Develop plans and estimate costs for installation of systems, utilisation of facilities, or construction of structures.
Career Progression
CAO Higher Education Civil Engineer NFQ level 8 education search our CAO coursefinder.
Apprenticeship: There are 2 Civil engineering apprenticeship programmes in development at levels 8-9 search our apprenticeship explorer
Springboard courses full, part time, blended online & in person skill conversion programmes NFQ level 6-9 search springboard courses.
Skillnets Industry networks Engineering & construction sector led skills and training programmes accross construction, productivity, engineering, minerals & extraction, MedTech, and green energy & manufacture search Skillnets courses.
Post Graduate study post graduate career development programmes search post grad courses.
Getting this Apprenticeship
This Civil Engineering Apprenticeship is supported by Solas, ATU Atlantic technical University and Civil Engineering Contractors Association.
To find an apprenticeship, you can search apprenticeship vacancies and a list of currently approved apprentice employers on the Apprenticeship Jobs & Employers Portal. You can search for vacancies by location, and employers in each apprenticeship.
Use this link to explore a list of Approved Employers by Region and by Apprenticeship type.
Dr Emma Britton
Atlantic Technological University
Tel: + 353 (0) 71 930 5157
Email: [email protected]
Finding an Employer
Finding an employer or registering your interest with an official Coordinating Provider is one of the first things you need to do to start an apprenticeship.
To find an apprenticeship and secure an apprenticeship work contract you can search apprenticeship vacancies on the Apprenticeship Jobs Portal . You can search for vacancies by location and by apprenticeship type.
Your local Education and Training Board may also hold details of employers seeking to employ an apprentice.
You should also directly connect with local employers who might be interested in taking on an apprentice. It is a great idea to get a part time job with a local employer who might be more inclined to take you on as an apprentice following a successful work experience placement or a part time job contract.
Further information about this apprenticeship may be available from the following organisations on this website:
Online Job Sites
Here are some direct links to employment websites that frequently list apprenticeship vacancies.
Note: These websites may include vacancies that are not QQI accredited Apprenticeships.
Pay & Fees
Pay
Each Employer will set the salary for the apprentice. They will be required to cover fulltime employment costs of the apprentice including the day release for off-the-job training during the academic semesters and the four off site face to face days they are required to attend campus to complete labs and workshops during each semester. The salary should be fair and reflects the level of work and study undertaken and that will attract the best candidates. Current guidelines state payment to an apprentice should be commensurate with the salary for entry level positions within the industry
Fees
Apprentices complete their off-the-job training in a higher education institution, for which they are required to pay a student contribution.
The amount payable is a proportion of the annual student contribution for students attending a full-time course in higher education. The student contribution is paid directly to the higher education institution over the two years.
The student contribution for this programme is €1200 per year.
