Guide to Structural Engineer Courses and Jobs

Structural Engineering is the science of and concerns of, well, structures. Structural engineer courses help to educate anybody looking to pursue a career in the industry. Anybody working as a structural engineer will focus their knowledge into making sure buildings and construction projects are structurally sound. This requires a great element of health and safety. There are 3 key targets of a structural engineer: to design, maximise safety procedures and to mitigate potential risks. Structural engineers get to work on some pretty exciting stuff; all the intricate and cool buildings you’ve seen in your life involved the dedicated work of structural engineers. Many construction engineers look to large institutions for memberships and accreditations, such as Institution of Structural Engineers or Institution of Civil Engineers.

Duties and Roles

Structural engineers are roles that involve many different aspects. Health and safety regulations and potential risks must be evaluated to prevent damages, losses and accidents. Alternatively, structural engineers also play a large part in the aesthetics of a structure. As a structural engineer you will need to collaborate and negotiate with others to ensure designs are what is expected and safe to proceed with. You will have to be competent with technical drawings and analysis of plans for new structures; they will need to be designed well and with safety regulations implemented throughout. Sometimes a structural engineer will evaluate existing buildings, not just plan new ones. They will assess safe demolition practices or how to repair effectively and safely.

How to Become a Structural Engineer

Firstly, in order to begin your path to structural engineering, you will usually need a university degree in civil engineering or similar. However, with the implementation of live online courses, you can now become a structural engineer without a degree. Structural engineer courses offered help to give individuals all the skills and requirements they need to be adequately trained in the profession. These online courses also mean that you can work while studying. You won’t have to give up your work hours as you would with a traditional degree programme. Gaining experience is the most valuable asset in your career, so training as an apprentice or getting into the field when you complete your course is essential.

Structural Engineer Courses

Online courses are a great way to learn about subjects you may not necessarily be able to take time off work for. Studying a live online course such as an Advanced Diploma in Structural Engineering from the College of Contract Management is a great way to start your career. There aren’t as stringent entry requirements as degree programmes for online courses, meaning many more are eligible for the course. These structural engineer courses will equip you with everything you need to enter the workplace after completion.

IStructE Membership

The Institution of Structural Engineers is an organisation at the forefront of structural development and methods. When you have proven your experience and competencies within the industry, you can apply for chartered membership to the IStructE. This membership is a goal of many within the industry and can help to develop your professional career with the demonstration of your competencies through Chartered Membership. The IStructE offers many opportunities to further your knowledge and access world-class training programmes. You’ll also be required to complete CPD hours. This is a form of extracurricular development and learning which will contribute to your competencies within your role. There are thousands of members worldwide, so companies around the world recognise their standard of excellence.

Skills of a Structural Engineer

As mentioned, there are many different jobs of a structural engineer, and you’ll require a wide range of skills to perform your role to the best ability. You’ll need to be literate in maths, English and computer software in order to prepare all the relevant calculations, computer-aided designs and negotiations. You’ll also have to take into account risks such as weather, stresses and strains and hazards to public health, this will take lots of calculations and outside factors to assess. Negotiation and communication between team members is also a key skill; you’ll need to keep everybody informed about changes, such as architects, builders and designers. It’s a challenging role but always dynamic and exciting, with new challenges each day.

Careers in Structural Engineering

A career in structural engineering can be greatly rewarding. With a structural engineer course under your belt such as an Advanced Diploma in Structural Engineering you will be recognised by institutions that accredit the course, such as ICE, IStructE and CIHT. From here, you can seek chartered membership at any of these organisations for further recognition in your profession. An experienced and Chartered individual can be looking at upwards of £50,000 per year. Each day as a structural engineer is different and there are many opportunities each day to showcase your knowledge and talent within designing, planning and co-ordinating. It’s a greatly important role within the construction industry, and one that can enjoy the fruits of their labour by working on new and exciting builds in their local area or around the world for everybody to enjoy.