Civil Engineering Career Path and Guidance

What is the Civil Engineering Programme About?

The Civil Engineering programme equips students with the skills necessary for planning, designing, maintaining, and managing construction projects. These projects include the construction of roads, houses, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and systems for water supply and sewage management.

Vocational Activities for Civil Engineering Students at TVET Colleges:

Civil Engineering students at TVET colleges are trained to:

Operate and maintain construction equipment and machinery.
Take part in the construction of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, dams, railways, and residential buildings.
Contribute to the design and construction of tunnels, factories, reservoirs, and other major structures.
Assist in the erection of reinforced concrete, structural steel, timber, and masonry structures.

Skills and Abilities Required for Civil Engineering:

To become a successful civil engineer, you should possess:

Strong Analytical Skills: Civil engineers must interpret complex drawings, charts, diagrams, maps, and reports.
Excellent Communication Skills: Civil engineers interact with a wide range of professionals, from construction workers to top-level executives.
Advanced Problem-Solving Capabilities: Civil engineers frequently encounter challenges that require innovative solutions.
Mathematical Proficiency: Applying mathematical principles and formulas is a critical aspect of civil engineering, whether it’s for design or solving complex engineering problems.

Working Conditions of a Civil Engineer:

Civil engineers split their time between office-based work and on-site inspections. While some tasks can be done indoors, they often need to visit construction sites to oversee projects, solve issues, or monitor operations in real time.

Minimum Entry Requirements to Study Civil Engineering at a TVET College:

For entry into the Civil Engineering course at a TVET College, the requirements are as follows

NC(V) Programme: A Grade 9 Certificate and additional college-specific requirements.
NATED Programme:
For N1 admission: A Grade 9 Certificate and college-specific requirements.
For N4 admission: A Grade 12 Certificate with a pass in Mathematics, or an NC(V) Level 4 Certificate in Civil Engineering and Building Construction, plus college-specific requirements.

Steps to Pursue Civil Engineering:

Contact your nearest TVET College: Inquire about the specific entrance requirements for the Civil Engineering course.
Visit Civil Engineering Training Centres: Gain insights into what the field entails by visiting relevant companies and training institutions.
Reach out to DHET Career Development Services: For free career advice and counselling, call 086 999 0123 or email careerhelp@dhet.gov.za.
Take an Aptitude Test: Determine if Civil Engineering is the right fit for your skills and interests.
Attend Career Exhibitions: Engage with higher learning institutions at career fairs and obtain application forms for further education.

Did You Know?

Civil Engineering courses at TVET Colleges offer a variety of specialisations. These include:

Bricklaying
Carpentry
Plastering
Plumbing