Innovation as a concept has been existent for the longest time. Although it differs from one aspect to the other, innovation has always had long term association with the design aspect. Talking about civil engineering, this discipline has played a major role in transforming the civil engineering sector as a whole. With the growing environment sustainability, the role of Civil engineering is also taking a major shift as per the increasing requirements and introduction of innovative technologies. A discipline that not only involves designing but also planning, construction and maintenance of the physically and naturally built environment. It is a professional practice that involves developing infrastructure.
In India, engineering is looked upon as one of the most sought after careers helping it gain massive popularity among students. One of the main reasons for it is the constant adaptation that the field has shown, making it highly advanced and suitable for the young generation to pursue.
The four-year degree course of Civil Engineering equips students with tackling problems that the society faces and provides efficient engineering solutions in the various sub-disciplines.
Considering these solutions, the scope and future of this sector is growing rapidly. So let us delve into the understanding of what the new face of Civil engineering entails:
Changing Demand:
As per the report published by The Economic Times, 95 billion sq. ft. is the predicted demand in the construction industry and real estate by 2020. Despite having such high demand, the sector lacks sufficient workforce to meet this growing demand. According to the report titled “Real Estate and Construction Professionals in India by 2020” by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, there is a demand-supply gap ranging between 82% and 86% of skilled civil engineers, architects and others. This means our country is in need of 4 million skilled civil engineers. These statistics signify that there is a massive demand for these professionals in the near future which gives the aspiring students an opportunity to explore their creative instincts and create a better infrastructure for the society to live in.
Increasing Growth:
As reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019), the field of civil engineering is the second-fastest-growing subfield. Specifically, the jobs in Civil Engineering are expected to grow by 6 percent between 2018 and 2028, which amounts to an increase of 20,500 jobs overall. This would mean openings in this subfield will rise from 326,800 to 347,300 nationwide. Considering this massive amount of growth in the industry, students can be rest assured of the availability of jobs after the completion of the degree. Also, with the immense practical experience that the courses offered, students are turned into highly employable individuals and are potentially offered permanent positions.
Diversity:
Unlike other branches of engineering that offer monotonous jobs and have a set routine, Civil engineering has been an industry that provides a wide range of options with multiple specialisations. Gone are the days when students from this background were only expected to construct buildings, roads, bridges etc. Civil engineering aspirants can now consider leading a career in any one of the engineering niches mentioned below:
- Structural
- Urban
- Hydraulic
- Materials
- Coastal and ocean
These are just some of the fields. As we advance further, this branch will have a lot more to offer than it did a decade ago. Considering these points, it is clear that the industry is advancing and is no longer traditional. Like it used to be. Students intending to learn this art of inspecting structures and developing projects, can opt for the courses and make the most of the right set of education and skills making way for a brighter future.
(Authored by Dr. Arun Vikas Singh, Principal, T.John Institute of Technology, Bangalore)
