The civil engineer must consider many factors in the design process, from the construction costs and expected lifetime of a project to government regulations and potential environmental hazards like earth tremors. Because of the varied nature of the work, the civil engineer may also be involved in research and testing, production or maintenance
Nature of Work
The civil engineer plans, designs, supervises, manages and maintains the construction of roads, buildings, power lines, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges and water supply, sewage and water purification systems as well as all other kinds of heavy construction. Civil engineering is a very broad field with various specializations such as structural, water, informatics, transportation, construction, urban and community planning, railway, environmental, construction, transportation and geo-technical engineering
 
Career Path
Civil engineering can be studied at technikon or university and a matric exemption or senior certificate pass in maths plus a compulsory admission test are prerequisites for admission. In order to enjoy professional registration, graduates may undergo experiential training as candidates, working under the guidance of a registered civil engineer, in any of the categories (civil engineering technician, technologist or professional civil engineer).
 
Useful Hints, links & Related careers

Town and Regional Planner, Quantity Surveyor, Industrial Engineer, Architectural Technologist, Civil Engineering Technician, Civil Engineering Technologist

Useful websites:
www.trac.sun.ac.za/careers
www.saace.co.za
www.saice.org.za
www.ecsa.co.za