Structural engineers are widely sought after, being an essential part of many building projects. Whether a homeowner is considering a basement conversion, a new business venture is renovating their first property or solar panels are looking to be installed on a commercial building, the day to day duties of a structural engineer can vary widely. Their primary concern is safety; ensuring that building work is carried out with structural integrity, meeting industry standards. The best structural engineers in London not only ensure that the project runs safely, but can carry out further duties which oversee the construction process.
The duties of a structural engineer
The role of a structural engineer can vary depending on your specialisms, requiring a different level of work for the nature of each job at hand. Here are some typical roles you are likely to find yourself carrying out on a frequent basis:
- Establishing the best materials to use for a project, considering the strength of the different options and their suitability for the construction.
- Ensuring that proposed work meets all regulations and is up to health and safety standards, identifying any potential problems before the work is carried out.
- Using computer aided design (CAD) to undergo structural calculations which can be submitted if planning permission is required.
- Considering the risk of external threats such as extreme weather conditions on a property.
- Being involved in demolition or change of structural frameworks to establish whether they are safe to carry out.
- Inspecting existing structures to spot any potential flaws which could be unsafe. Click here to learn more about manufacturing degrees
The journey to becoming a qualified structural engineer
The job role is an attractive prospect for many, so we’re here to help you on your way. The qualities that hiring managers tend to look out for include a good knowledge of building regulations, an analytical eye, great problem solving skills, the ability to perform under pressure and computer literacy. If you are new to the industry and have no relevant experience behind you, don’t be put off! There are various ways to jump on the career ladder and work your way up, so consider the following:
- Apprenticeships
With plenty of opportunities all across the country, an apprenticeship programme is a great way to learn on the job. By finding a position within an existing company and getting stuck in from day one, you can learn from the best alongside getting yourself a reputable qualification while you do so. - Accredited degrees
Many people start their journey on specialist courses, gaining a foundation qualification in engineering and studying towards MEng degrees. Although this is a time consuming process, you will gain strong base knowledge and have a desirable qualification behind you. - Memberships
Once you have got some experience and knowledge behind you, you are in a position to gain professional industry memberships which are sought after by many employers. IStructE (The Institution of Structural Engineers) offer a chartered membership which is highly respected in the industry and will open up many career opportunities.
