What is Civil Construction?

Civil Construction

Civil Construction is the creation of infrastructure involving anything to do with water, earth or transport.

It is a branch of Civil Engineering involved with the maintenance, design and construction of both natural and physically built environments such as roads, railways, buildings, water reservoirs, subdivisions, airports, bridges, sewer systems, tunnels and dams.

The industry consists of the individuals, companies and other interested parties who are involved in the planning, creation and designing of our infrastructure.

Work performed in the industry

Tasks performed in the industry include the planning, creation and maintenance of public infrastructure – basically anything that will make the lives of people easier. These include:

• Liaising with governments, clients and other professionals
• Studying, evaluating and investigating the land and building sites suitable for the possible creation of infrastructure
• Adhering to the guidelines created by government, local bodies and clients when planning, creating and maintaining infrastructure
• Creating infrastructure plans and having these approved by governing bodies and local authorities
• Creating cost estimates and contracts
• Tendering the contracts and hire contractors
• Supervising and monitoring the construction of the infrastructure to ensure it matches the plan

Jobs in the Civil Construction industry

There are a wide variety of careers available in the industry and these include:

• Civil Engineers
• Supervisors
• Surveyors
• Site management
• Demolition staff
• Road Markers
• Concreters
• Welders
• Rollers
• Dump truck operators
• Project managers
• Civil labourers
• Traffic management
• Electricians
• Compactors
• Loaders
• Construction management
• Excavator staff
• Steel fixers

How can I enter the Civil Construction Industry?

There are three main pathways you can take to gain access to the industry.

Trade – This is the entry level, suitable for individuals who enjoy being hands-on, using machinery and being physically active. It is done over three years by completing an apprenticeship or traineeship, or by completing a professional Certificate in Civil Construction.

TAFE – This is a suitable level to start at for individuals who enjoy a mixture of both physical and management type work. It involves completing a Diploma in Engineering Technology over two years and allows you to work as a Project Manager, Estimator or as another type of manager.

University – This is a suitable entry level for individuals who enjoy academic subjects such as mathematics and physics and who wish to become Civil Engineers. It involves completing a four year university degree and gives you the opportunity to undertake senior management roles in the civil construction industry.

Image: Scott Blake