Structural Engineering combines buildings, design and engineering. It is an exciting and challenging career specialism within Civil Engineering, both of which play an essential role in the construction sector.
Engineering structures, such as bridges, tunnels, hospitals, schools, airports and stadiums are all around us. Structural Engineers have ensured the safety, stability and structural integrity of the world’s iconic structures. They test and select the most appropriate sustainable building materials which minimise environmental impact. They calculate the load to ensure the structure can withstand the amount of traffic or people, and the effects of weather such as water, wind and even earthquakes. In effect they keep buildings standing.
As a Structural Engineer you will get to use your creativity, maths and IT skills to solve real world problems such as designing the foundation for the world’s tallest building. Your role will involve preparing reports, designs and detailed drawings using technology such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), which will enable you to visualise structures in 3D and collaborate with your project team.
Structural Engineers work closely with other professionals such as architects, quantity surveyors, civil engineers, planners, building engineers, financial and environmental consultants. With excellent career opportunities, you will have the satisfaction of playing a key role in a great variety of structural engineering projects which will have an impact for many years to come.
Career Paths
A career in Structural Engineering usually requires a third level qualification in civil or structural engineering followed by registration with the professional bodies Engineers Ireland and Institute of Structural Engineers (UK). Some third level courses allow you to try out different branches of engineering before specialising in structural engineering.
There are many routes to a career in engineering such as an apprenticeship or one year QQI Level 5 courses in pre-university engineering, many of which link to higher education. Check with educational institutions for further information.
Find out more about a career in Structural Engineering here and how to get started in this sector.
