A work experience placement is a great way for your students to learn about a career in civil engineering and the sectors within it.
Employers are keen to recruit young people with good mathematical ability, an interest in problem solving and who enjoy team working.
There are routes to civil engineering through apprenticeship, BTEC qualifications, Diplomas and A-levels. Students who gain work placements during their courses, especially extended summer placement will sometimes gain sponsorship for their college or university course.
There are various types of civil engineering employer. Your students should approach the employers of their choice with a CV and letter. But often a personal contact is useful, especially if it can be added to any lists of placements your local Education Business Partnership (EBP) has. As a teacher or careers adviser, you could approach your ICE regional support team who will know of local branches of the major employers.
It is also well worth contacting ICE civil engineering ambassadors through the local ICE Regional Education Co-ordinators or STEMNET. They can help you to develop links with your local employers and invite in graduate engineers who can talk to your students about their work and the range of careers available.
If your students have decided on a career in civil engineering, ICE offer further and higher education scholarships that help students to fund their further and higher education.
The Year in Industry scheme is another way for them to gain practical experience within the industry.