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Engineering

Environmental Engineer

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Environmental engineers use science and engineering principles to solve problems related to the environment. This includes working on projects to improve recycling, waste disposal, water and air pollution control, and public health. They often work for engineering firms, government agencies, or environmental consultancies. Day-to-day tasks may involve designing systems to clean up polluted sites, monitoring environmental impacts of construction projects, or advising on regulations. The job can involve both office and field work, and often requires teamwork and good communication skills.

Environmental Engineer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Environmental engineers in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £45,000 per year. With experience, salaries can rise to £60,000 or more.

Job Demand

There are around 7,000 people employed as environmental engineers in the UK as of 2023, and demand is expected to grow due to increasing environmental concerns.

Typical Work Hours

Most environmental engineers work 37 to 40 hours per week, usually during regular office hours, though some site work may require flexibility.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Water Quality Engineer

Works on projects to make sure our rivers, lakes, and drinking water are clean and safe for people and wildlife.

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Renewable Energy Engineer

Helps design and build systems that use energy from the sun, wind, or water to help protect the environment.

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Waste Management Engineer

Finds better ways to recycle rubbish and manage waste so that we reduce pollution and help the planet.

Explore Science and Engineering

Take Science and Maths Subjects

Focus on subjects like Maths, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology at school. These subjects are important for understanding the basics of environmental engineering.

Try to do well in your science and maths classes, as these are the foundation for further study in engineering. You might also join school clubs or activities related to the environment or science to build your interest and knowledge.

Learn About Environmental Issues

Read about topics like pollution, climate change, and sustainability to understand the challenges environmental engineers face.

You can find information in books, online articles, or documentaries. Try following environmental news or joining local groups that work on environmental projects or clean-ups.

Get the Right Qualifications

Study for A Levels or Equivalent

Choose A levels or equivalent qualifications in Maths and at least one science, such as Chemistry or Physics.

Most universities require certain A levels or equivalent qualifications for entry to engineering courses. If your school offers BTECs or T levels in Engineering or Environmental Science, these can also be good choices.

Apply for an Engineering Degree

Apply to university to study Environmental Engineering or a related subject like Civil Engineering with an environmental focus.

Look for accredited courses approved by the Engineering Council or professional bodies like the Institution of Civil Engineers. Some universities offer sandwich courses with a year in industry, which can provide valuable work experience.

Gain Experience and Start Your Career

Complete Work Experience or Placements

Take part in work experience or internships with environmental engineering firms or local councils.

Many companies and organisations offer placements to students. This practical experience will help you understand the day-to-day work of environmental engineers and make useful contacts for your future career.

Apply for Graduate Jobs

After finishing your degree, apply for graduate roles in environmental engineering or related fields.

Look for jobs with engineering consultancies, government agencies, or companies working on environmental projects. You might start as a graduate engineer and work towards becoming a Chartered Engineer, which can give you more responsibility and higher pay.

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🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Environmental Engineer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

Environmental engineers and civil engineers both work within the realm of infrastructure and environmental modification, often addressing issues related to construction, water resources, and land development. They share a focus on designing solutions that consider environmental impact and sustainability, making civil engineering the closest match in terms of qualifications.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in civil engineering.

Many universities specialise in particular areas of civil engineering, like:

  • transport engineering
  • environmental engineering
  • coastal and maritime engineering

You can search for accredited courses through the Institution of Civil Engineers. Some courses include a work placement, which can be useful for making industry contacts to help you find work after university.

You can also do further study for a postgraduate master's qualification in civil engineering, if you've got a degree in a related subject like maths, science or geology.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

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College

You could take a course at college, which might help you to get work as a trainee civil engineer, or to apply for further study at university.

Subjects include:

  • civil engineering
  • maths, physics or geography
  • construction and the built environment

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a Civil Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship with an engineering or construction company.

This takes around 5 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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Work

You could work as a civil engineering technician and study on the job for a degree or apprenticeship.

You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science. Employers may also look for 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent qualifications.

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Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) for professional development opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can learn more about how to become a civil engineer from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

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