Hi there im a Civil Engineer and i was wondering what it was like for work in spain whether there is much need for Civil Engineers over there?

Anyone with help or advice please get back.

Thanks Chris

Hi Chris and welcome to the forum.

I am also a MICE but not looking for work having taken retirement but have been involved with SW Spain for 5 yrs now building a villa in Ayamonte.

Spain has just hit the biggest construction downturn you can imagine in your worst nightmares so on the face of it the prospects would not seem favourable. Also the first to go seem to be the immigrant workers from all across the EU.

However there does seem an intention by the government to pump money into major infrastructure construction programmes to shore up the sector. I suppose it would depend where you sit, design will come first but the codes are different and their earthquake code is much stiffer than UK.

The construction work to follow will require all the usual disciplines for roads, rail, sewers, water and solar energy parks.

I would guess that your technical Spanish would have to be first class and the wages are not great amongst the professions, doctors, dentists, architects etc do not seem to be on the same salary levels as UK. The working hours also seem to longer with the long lunch break in the middle.

BUT the sun does shine more and the lifestyle is much more laid back you toss the coin and make your choice.

Regards,

John.

Thanks for that it is the lifestyle id preffer its just a shame about the wages and long hours ive been offered work in the middle east but its not the sort of place you can relax and enjoy life.

There is not a lot of relaxing in Spain if you have to work. ;-))
Totally agree with what John said too about the money being pumped in, but then they always have because they have never had so much to spend before. I think it will slow down a bit though now and unless you can compete with a Spaniard that wants the same job you will struggle for employment.

Here in Galicia the Xutna wants to invest millions in new roads, where they will get the money from has yet to be established. They are also building 2 new AVE high speed train routes. So work for CEs is around but the level of Spanish, and here is Gallician too, has to be very high.
Ian was also a CE in the UK.

I'm a MICE too and have been working here since 2003.
There is now an official ICE website at http://www.ucm.es/info/civil/jgstorch/leyes/ccivil.htm and Jose Cordovilla, ICE's Spain rep, is a useful source of info re recognition of qualifications etc. p.s. we have our first ever annual meeting and dinner in Madrid next week in case any other MICEs haven't heard!

That is just brilliant news.

Oooooops, wrong link posted!
http://www.ice-spain.org.uk/about/index.aspx