A Career in Civil Engineering

A Career in Civil Engineering can offer you the chance to work in a fast paced and global industry where the rewards, both financial and professional are outstanding! X-cel talks to John Johnson, Civil Engineer who worked on the Gateshead Millenium Bridge In Newcastle, about the highs and lows of working on this project and why he just loves being a civil engineer.

What made you become an engineer?
I was very interested in science subjects at school, particularly Physics, but wanted to apply the ideas rather than just do theory –civil engineering seemed the perfect choice.

What personal qualities do you think you should have to become a successful engineer?
An understanding of the importance of accuracy and a willingness to challenge “accepted” ways of doing things – and, for a civil engineer in particular, realising that you can never please everybody.

What was your involvement in the Gateshead Millennium Bridge?
I was in charge of the project from its inception, organising the original design competition, the procurement of the work and overseeing the construction phase for the Client, Gateshead Council.

What were the main difficulties in constructing this?
There were a great many technical problems to overcome in designing a structure that would open to give adequate headroom for ships on the river and yet create a visually striking bridge. There were also many legal and planning considerations that had to be taken into account as well as delivering the project in a very restricted timescale.

How long did it take?
From the Council giving approval of the idea of a bridge to the completion of construction was 5 years; a very short timescale for a major infrastructure project.

What do you like the most about the finished product?
The combination of architectural elegance with engineering efficiency – and its popularity with the people of Tyneside.

What other projects have you been involved with that you are proud of?
A reclamation scheme to landscape the previous industrial dereliction of the banks of the Tyne gorge and a road-building project, which pioneered the use of polystyrene in embankments.

What do you love most about your job?
Being able to see what you have created as an improvement to people’s lives and knowing that it’s likely to be there for many years into the future.

What are the down sides to being an engineer?
All the projects you work on are in the public domain so, although that is part of the attraction, mistakes cannot be hidden and the projects can never be universally popular.

So do you have to work in the UK if you train here as an engineer?
Construction is going on all over the country, and abroad, so you can almost choose where to work. I’ve spent three in Africa although most of my working life has been in the north-east, the area has everything I want. I thoroughly recommend students to come and study engineering in the UK though. Our training in second to none and they could leave as a graduate entering into a career that will help them to work throughout the world.

Any other advice for our aspiring engineers?
If you have the interest just do it! Its great life and very rewarding. As an engineer you will be making a difference to so many peoples lives, this I think is one of the best aspects of being an engineer so apply today!

For further information on a career in civil engineering contact:
The Institution of Civil Engineers www.ice.org.uk

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