Introduction
Traffic and transportation is a specialised branch of civil
engineering. Civil engineers are problem solvers, working to
overcome the various problems posed by modern technological society
such as pollution, traffic congestion, urban development, community
planning, and drinking water and energy needs. They are involved
with the design and construction of anything that is not a building
- roads, railways, airports, bridges, dams and harbours.
Transportation engineers are hands-on engineers. But even though
they do not drive policy, they plan and design systems for moving
people and goods safely and efficiently.
Work Environment
This is both office-based and on-site - in a variety of public
locations where traffic is involved. Special clothing such as hard
hats, strong boots and visible clothing is provided. The engineer
will always need to carry tools and equipment on site visits.
Daily Activities
This description will concentrate on the Traffic Engineer even
though there is some overlap with other types of engineering work
to do with highways and the broader transportation issues. As team
members, they may be asked by the County Engineer to work on
several schemes at once or specialise in one or two. For example,
traffic engineers may concentrate on finding solutions to traffic
management problems in a busy urban environment. Their day
may begin with an on-site survey of the problem, taking notes and
measurements and discussing it with local people. This may be a
road in a town centre with a high accident rate. They may think
that the solution is to provide new or better traffic signals and
pedestrian crossings. Or, it could be that parking or traffic
congestion is a problem. Perhaps cycling lanes or extra parking
facilities are needed.
Back at the office, the engineers will draft proposals for new
solutions to problems which are safe, efficient and value for money
in consultation with all the parties involved, including other
officers of the municipal environmental services department. Once
agreement has been reached, they will then plan and design
environmental improvement schemes. The engineer's brief may also
include a responsibility for safe routes to school, rural
transportation and non-car based travel such as railroads and
airfields. Once the construction begins, traffic engineers
monitor progress to ensure that the work is carried out properly
and meets the required standards and guidelines. They will
distribute some aspects of the job to engineering assistants and
technicians and supervise their performance.
Skills & Interests
The attributes required are those that all engineers are expected
to have:
- practical ability;
- a facility for solving problems - and enjoying it!
- creativity;
- ability to think logically;
- teamwork skills;
- effective written and mathematical skills;
- computer literacy.
Entry Requirements
A degree or HNC in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering or
other appropriate qualification is essential. Civil Engineers
must complete the Professional Qualification Scheme of the
Institution. Of Civil Engineers - this includes training,
practical experience and examinations. It is usually
desirable to have at least 4 years post qualification in traffic
management.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
Possible opportunities in the public and private sector
include:
- construction contractors;
- engineering consulting firms;
- manufacturing companies;
- national government;
- public works and environment departments;
- property developers;
- public utilities - gas, water, electricity;
- resource industries;
- highway maintenance engineering.
Many companies offer apprenticeships to school leavers as well
as sponsoring undergraduates. In these, as in local authority work,
engineers may progress to project management and Chief or County
Engineer posts. In the private sector some become company partners
or establish their own companies. For those with appropriate
qualifications, lecturing in universities and further education
establishments is possible.
Further Information & Services
Chartered Institute of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) www.ciht.org.uk
Institution of Civil Engineers www.ice.org.uk
Institute of Highway Engineers www.ihie.org.uk
Engineering Council www.engc.org.uk
SEMTA www.semta.org.uk
GoSkills www.goskills.org
www.discoverengineering.org
Careers Wales have produced a Spotlight article on careers
in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths): https://www.careerswales.com/en/spotlight-on-stem/
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.