“From a Bachelor of  Technology to Principal Civil Designer, my path in Civil Design wasn’t linear. It involves applying engineering judgment through three-dimensional modeling, creating a dynamic and rewarding career.”

When I finished high school, I didn’t have the OP to get into Engineering, but they would let me let me into a Bachelor of  Technology. I soon learnt that, if I started with the Bachelor of Technology I could leap frog into an Engineering degree, and Bob’s your uncle, I’d be an Engineer.

Little did I know that I would start a cadetship with TMR, downgrade to an Associate Degree, then tackle my Bachelor of Technology and become a Principal Civil Designer.

My path hasn’t been linear, and to this day I still get asked what I do and how did I get here? In my own words, after 15 years in the field, Civil Designing is essentially the development of civil infrastructure projects. This involves applying numerous Australian Standards and Guides, coupled with engineering judgment, through the use of three-dimensional modeling programs like 12d, AutoCAD Civil 3D, PC Drains, HEC-RAS, and Perfect-Lite, to name a few. Working in larger project teams, Civil Designers focus on meeting standards and creating models, drawings, and specifications for construction teams to build from.

The realm of Civil Design is typically occupied by Engineering Professionals who hold at least an Associate Degree in Civil Engineering, with some reaching up to a Bachelor of Engineering Technology Degree (at least, that’s what it was called 15 years ago). The Associate Degree is the minimum requirement to qualify as a Civil Designer and can be pursued at either TAFE or University. Meanwhile, the Bachelor of Engineering Technology Degree is considered the desirable requirement, concentrating on key Engineering fundamentals used in day-to-day work.

This entire process is governed by Engineers Australia as the overarching body for professional and studying engineers. Additionally, various engineering bodies, such as the IPWEA (Institute of Public Works and Engineering Australia), work towards developing and fostering relationships between local councils and engineers.

The growing emphasis on specialisation within fields like roads, stormwater, private developments, mining, and rail has led to what I believe is a shortage in the industry. While many mathematically inclined school leavers might aim to become Civil Engineers, a role as a Civil Designer, particularly in pre-construction, involves significant involvement from project planning to responding to ‘RFIs’ (Requests for Information) from the civil construction team.

For those interested in pursuing a career in Civil Design, both Private Consultancies and Government Agencies offer civil design cadetships. This presents a fantastic opportunity to study (with partial or full financial support from your employer) while gaining real-time, on-the-job training. The beauty of a cadetship is that once you complete your degree, a job is readily available, and you might find yourself with minimal or no HECS debt.

In conclusion, the field of Civil Design beckons as a dynamic and rewarding career path for individuals passionate about civil infrastructure projects. Whether you’re considering a shift from traditional engineering subjects or contemplating an early entry into the workforce, the world of Civil Design awaits, offering boundless possibilities for professional growth and fulfilment.