Quantity surveyor apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
a graduate training scheme
University
You could do a quantity surveying degree or a postgraduate conversion course accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Useful degree subjects include:
construction, structural or civil engineering, maths, geography, economics or land studies.
You'll usually need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree. You'll need a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course.
Apprenticeship
You could take a surveying technician Level 3 apprenticeship, followed by further training on the job, or a chartered surveyor or construction quantity surveyor degree apprenticeship.
You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship.
Work
You could start work as a surveying technician or surveying assistant, and study part time to become a quantity surveyor.
Other Routes
You could get a postgraduate surveying qualification through a graduate trainee scheme with a company or through distance learning with the University College of Estate Management.
You can register with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors to become a chartered surveyor through the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) scheme.
Quantity surveyor apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- maths knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- analytical thinking skills
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- persistence and determination
- knowledge of building and construction
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Quantity surveyor apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
- finding out a client's needs and assessing if their plans are feasible
- working out quantities and costs of materials, time and labour for tenders
- negotiating contracts and work schedules
- advising on legal matters, including risks and disputes
- monitoring sub-contractors and stages of construction
- writing regular reports on costs and preparing accounts for payment
- keeping up to date with construction methods and materials
- following health and safety and building regulations
Working environment
You could work at a client's business or in an office.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression - Quantity surveyor apprenticeships
With experience, you could become a senior quantity surveyor or move into senior project management, supply chain management, consultancy work or self-employment.
You could specialise in areas like planning, risk assessment or contract disputes.
Another option is to move into lecturing at a university or college.