Aerosion

I'm planning to go into Civil engineering and I'm aware that the profession would have someone spending a lot of time on construction sites. So would one have a leg up if they got their commercial license before graduating college? (because of all the heavy vehicles required for any construction job)

Oh, and would being a truck driver also give any kind of preparation for a CE degree? I don't mean like being a truck driver for the whole four years of college, I mean just having that history for say the first two years of college, when one is doing the basic engineering prerequisites.

ken285

As a civil engineer, you will never have to drive any heavy vehicles. Besides, if you're in a union town, don't even think about it because shop stewards will get on your case before you get anywhere near it. I was holding a few small pieces of wood once and the carpenter shop steward started bothering me already. All deliveries coming into my job site had to have union drivers (somebody actually checks).

Spend your time on engineering activities. After all, that's what you'll be, an engineer.

Corbett

The civil engineers don't get to drive the big trucks or operate the yellow iron. Sorry. I'm disappointed about it too.

One "construction site" credential that might be helpful for a prospective civil engineer is OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER training. This training is required for all personnel -- from laborers to backhoe operators to engineers -- that work at "brownfields" construction sites, or other sites that may be affected by hazardous chemicals or wastes.

Many civil firms, especially environmental firms, require their professional staff to be HAZWOPER-trained. New hires straight out of college normally have to be enrolled in the next scheduled class, which then takes a full week, before they can do any field work. If you already have HAZWOPER training on your resume when you start looking for your first job, prospective employers are likely to be impressed.

aibarr

...but you get to point, and show the people where to *put* the cool large trucks. And seconding (thirding?) Ken and Corbett... a CDL will not be at all useful, unfortunately.

(Incidentally, I've never been required to have HAZWOPER training, and I was the branch safety officer at my old forensics firm. I'm not sure that most civ firms really are aware of HAZWOPER training...)

Luminaire

I say it couldn't hurt. If you've got the time to do it, then go for it, since you probably won't have time once you start working. You probably won't use it at all, but the same could be argued for your education.

Corbett

They are well aware of it, if they do environmental work. It's commonly referenced on postings for environmental-related engineering jobs, at firms like CH2M Hill ("40-Hour HAZWOPER training is a plus")

In fact, big firms often have HAZWOPER training capabilities in-house, as (for example) at URS. HAZWOPER certificates have to be renewed annually via 8 hours of "refresher" training. So if a firm has hundreds or thousands of certified staff, keeping them all current is a full-time job for someone.

Granted, this certification might have no value at civil firms that are not involved in environmental remediation.