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Engineering

Environmental Engineer

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Environmental engineers use scientific and engineering principles to improve and protect the environment. Their work often involves designing systems and processes to manage waste, control pollution, improve water and air quality, and promote sustainable development. In the UK, environmental engineers may work on projects such as flood defence, renewable energy installations, contaminated land remediation, and developing environmentally friendly construction practices. Employers include engineering consultancies, local authorities, government agencies, and construction firms. The role often requires both office-based analysis and fieldwork, with collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

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 senior roles reaching £60,000 or more.

Job Openings

There are approximately 3,000 to 5,000 environmental engineering positions advertised annually across the UK.

Graduate Employment Rate

Around 85 percent of environmental engineering graduates in the UK are employed or in further study within six months of graduation.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Water Quality Engineer

Focuses on designing and implementing systems to ensure clean and safe water supplies, including wastewater treatment and pollution control.

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Air Pollution Control Specialist

Works on monitoring, managing, and reducing air pollution by developing solutions and technologies for cleaner air in urban and industrial environments.

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Renewable Energy Project Engineer

Specialises in planning and managing projects related to renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, with an emphasis on sustainability and environmental impact.

Obtain Relevant Qualifications

Complete a Degree in Environmental Engineering or Related Field

Study for a Bachelors degree in environmental engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering, or a closely related subject.

Many universities in the UK offer accredited degrees in environmental engineering or related disciplines. Typical entry requirements include A-levels (or equivalent) in maths and sciences. Relevant degree courses are usually three to four years long and may include placements or practical projects.

Gain Practical Experience

Undertake internships, placements, or voluntary work to gain hands-on experience in environmental engineering.

Look for summer internships, year-in-industry placements, or volunteering opportunities with engineering consultancies, environmental agencies, or local councils. This experience will help build your practical skills and make you more competitive in the job market after graduation.

Develop Professional Skills

Build Technical and Analytical Skills

Develop skills in data analysis, environmental modelling, and the use of industry-standard software.

Familiarise yourself with tools such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems), AutoCAD, and environmental impact assessment software. These technical skills are highly valued by employers and are often required in day-to-day work.

Enhance Communication and Teamwork

Improve your ability to communicate complex information and work well in multidisciplinary teams.

Environmental engineers often collaborate with scientists, policymakers, and the public. Strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in teams, are essential for success in this career.

Secure a Graduate Role and Progress Professionally

Apply for Graduate Schemes or Entry-Level Positions

Search and apply for graduate roles in consultancy firms, public sector organisations, or industrial companies.

Many large engineering firms and public organisations run graduate schemes specifically for environmental engineers. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experience. Use job sites such as Gradcracker, TARGETjobs, and the ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers) careers portal.

Work Towards Professional Registration

Pursue professional registration as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer with a recognised body.

After gaining work experience, you can apply for professional status through organisations such as the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) or the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM). Achieving chartered status can improve your career prospects and earning potential.

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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 Engineer and Civil Engineer both focus on the planning, design, and management of infrastructure projects with an emphasis on environmental sustainability. Both professions require knowledge of engineering principles, environmental regulations, and the impact of engineering solutions on the environment.

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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