Qualifications

So you want to work in Public Works and/or Local Government Engineering?

First you must get a qualification in civil engineering, but you don't have to be an Einstein to get one. So what's it all about?

Civil and structural engineers and drafters work on projects impacting public health and safety. They plan and design towns and buildings. Some specialise in environmental engineering, focusing on protecting the water supply, life systems and creating new, safer ways to process human and chemical waste. Others specialise in construction, or in designing roads, bridges, airports and urban transit systems.

Civil engineering is the key to design, construction, and maintenance of all forms of infrastructure as well as solving the tough environmental problems of the 21st century. A very important part of a civil engineering job is making sure that the projects can "stand up" to natural disasters including wind, earthquakes, fire and floods! Next time you are driving over a bridge or through a tunnel or are visiting one of the world's tall buildings, think about the engineering behind the construction.     


Clean water

Every morning we turn on the tap, boil a kettle, use the bathroom thanks to Civil Engineers who design and plan the construction of reservoirs, dams, water treatment works and water pipes.

Transport networks

Every day Australians walk along public roads, drive along major highways, and take a train thanks to Civil Engineers who plan, construct and maintain our roads and railways.

Urban Life

Every person who finds their way around our towns and cities does so thanks to Civil Engineers who design streets and crossings so that they are safer and more attractive.

Sustainable energy

Every time we flip a switch and save time with electrical conveniences, it's thanks to Civil Engineers who generate power for the things we use in everyday life, such as fridges, televisions and radios, without draining the earth's natural resources.

Building

Every footy match we go to or major public event like the cricket or Olympic Games we enjoy is thanks to Civil Engineers who plan, design and construct all our large buildings and sports stadiums.

 
What Qualifications Do I Need?

People who work in engineering are ordinary people who like technical stuff. They like helping others and the community. They work hard. They have fun. They can earn a lot of money. Some people go to uni and get a degree in civil engineering, but many others find their way into engineering through TAFE.

If you are interested in a career in public works, town or city engineering, give it a go!

There are two ways of getting started:

1. By doing a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree at university

2. By completing a civil or environmental qualification at TAFE*

* Did you know that there are lots of ways into the profession through TAFE? After completing Year 10, you can do a Certificate 3. Then you can work your way up to a Certificate 4.

Those who want to progress can work for a Diploma in Civil Engineering or an Advanced Diploma. Also, if you complete the advanced diploma, many universities will give you advanced standing to start a Bachelor of Engineering degree course.

Maths and Science at school is the key

Why maths and science?

1. Maths and Science help you to "engineer" because you learn to draw conclusions based on facts gathered systematically.

2. Maths trains you to think logically and to recognise or uncover patterns in information, in fact, maths is called the science of patterns.

3. Science trains you to develop explanations based on observations of the natural world.

4. The scientific method trains you to define a problem, gather data, formulate a hypothesis, and test the hypothesis.

The best advice is to talk to your school careers teacher. They will put you in touch with your local TAFE or University.

TAFE. For entry into TAFE you might not need any school exams apart from finishing Year 10. This is probably true for a Certificate 3. TAFE will advise you what you need to progress. For direct entry into a Diploma or Advanced Diploma, you'll need a Year 12 maths qualification at least.

UNIVERSITY. Most universities insist that you have some Year 12 leaving exam qualifications. The usual ones are maths (calculus and applicable maths), physics and chemistry. Many universities offer exemptions, and their pre-requisites are changing. Check out their entry standards on their website in your home state, or ask your career's advisor.

Will my Local Council or State Dept of Public Works help me to get into Local Government Engineering?

The answer is probably 'yes'. Many assist school leavers to gain qualifications. They call it a cadetship or a traineeship. Some may offer scholarships to enable you to study at either university or TAFE. Most public works or council engineering departments are very happy to offer work experience to Year 10 students. When you leave school and are studying at either university or TAFE, paid work experience is normally available.

Why not ring and ask them about help with your study and the possibilities of part time work while you study. You never know what might be on offer, and it will probably be better than washing dishes or serving hamburgers!

Still want more info?

Ring your local council and ask to speak to an engineer. Ring a State Department and hunt out for an engineer. They will probably tell you that it's a fun job, well paid and very interesting. They might even make you an offer of work experience or even better, offer you a cadetship.

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