Structural engineer : Training

Graduate structural engineers work towards the professional status of Associate or Chartered Member with The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) . To do this they must meet three requirements:

• Completion of required educational base - for Associate-Member this is an accredited degree, for Chartered Membership it is an accredited Masters.
• Initial Professional Development (IPD) - trainees gain experience in the workplace, which is matched against specific core objectives identified by the IStructE. Many employers offer structured training schemes to ensure these requirements are met.
• Professional review - comprising an interview with qualified engineers and a final examination.

This whole process can take three to four years. Some structural engineers take IPD accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)  and then the final exam of the IStructE. Others follow the direct route of training accredited by the IStructE. Many qualify with both institutions, giving them more career flexibility later.

Once professional status has been achieved with the IStructE, Some engineers also become registered with the Engineering Council , taking on the designation of either Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Trainee structural engineers start in design and gain experience working on many different types of structures built with a wide variety of materials. They also gain experience of a range of construction sites, with different foundation requirements and wind conditions. As experience is gained, they begin to liaise with architects, builders and others about their designs. Eventually, they become responsible for their own projects, liaising with clients as well as visiting and inspecting construction sites.

Professional members of the IStructE must complete a certain amount of continuing professional development (CPD) each year. This must be reported to the Institution annually and details of how to do this are available on the IStructE website. The IStructE and the ICE offer relevant conferences, courses and workshops on a range of subjects, all of which can aid CPD.