Apprenticeship Surveying Jobs

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Helping you find a career in the surveying industry

Surveyors provide advice to architects, construction firms, individuals and companies on issues within land or property development. As a surveyor, you could be a part of maintaining existing buildings, or involved with new-build projects ensuring that everything is being done safely. They are a vital part of the construction industry.

Types of surveyor role:

Building surveying includes:

Surveying buildings to check for problems
Providing expert advice on building repairs and estimating costs
Checking and approving planning for buildings and extensions
Surveying properties to ensure they meet government building standards

Land surveying includes:

Monitoring environmental effects of construction projects on the land
Surveying the land and producing maps
Determining boundaries to settle legal disputes

Technical surveyors play a supporting role to those who are chartered in building or land surveying. In this job you could work across both sectors and be involved in responsibilities such as:

Valuing land, property and machinery
Organising auction sales
Overseeing projects
Estimating costs of repairs and projects
Mapping land and surveying buildings

Another common role within surveying is a quantity surveyor. In this role you are involved from the beginning to the end of the construction process, advising on costs and contracts. Initially you will assist with calculating the costs that are involved in the projects and continue to advise on this as the project progresses. You will also be involved with negotiating contracts.

Most roles within surveying require a degree that is recognised by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). This qualification is recognised internationally, which means you could work across the globe. The roles that do not require this will be supporting, such as a surveying technician.

Surveying work means that you get a combination of working in the office and being on location visiting clients and construction sites. Your time will be split pretty evenly between the two, so it's ideal if you don't fancy the idea of being chained to a desk all day.

As long as buildings are being constructed, there will always be a demand for these roles. A career in surveying can provide great job security.

N Written by Navdeep

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FAQs

FAQs

Skills & interests required for a career in Surveying

As a surveyor you'll need to be quite detail-conscious in order to spot potential problems with buildings and plans.

A strong technical knowledge of government standards for buildings and land regulations will also be required. This will be recognised by a formal qualification.

Those in surveying usually be strong in maths and science, due to the logical and technical nature of the work. This is particularly important for quantity surveyors, who are experts in costing, and therefore need to have good heads for numbers.

Much surveying work will require you to liaise with clients, the public and other construction teams. Strong communication skills are important to keep a project running smoothly.

You will also need to have written communication skills to write up the reports.

You will also usually need a driving licence (to travel to different projects!)

Surveying apprenticeships & other career progress routes for school leavers

You will begin your career in surveying as a trainee, and you will have to take the necessary exams and assignments to work towards the relevant qualifications. Alternatively, you can study for these qualifications through a full time University degree.

As a trainee you will play a supporting role to a surveyor and begin to learn the ropes of the industry.

After this, you will become an assistant surveyor and begin applying your knowledge in a supporting role to surveyors and technicians. Usually assistant surveyors will have around two years of experience in the field.

Next, you'll become a surveyor and take responsibility for your own projects and teams. Most companies will require you to have an accredited RICS qualification for these roles or at least be willing to pursue one.

With some years of experience you'll become a senior surveyor and take on larger projects with more responsibilities. Usually surveyors in this role have a minimum of six years of experience.

Tips for getting into the field

Show a willingness to pursue your qualifications to employers in interviews. This will make you more valuable to them and also help you in your career.
Get on LinkedIn - connect with employers in the industry and keep an eye out for trainee opportunities!

What do Surveying professionals get paid?

Surveying can be very well paid career, particularly if you become a members of the RICS. Members of the RICS typically earn £12,000 more than surveyors without RICS membership. This can be done through professional experience or as a graduate.

The salary ranges for the main types of surveying work are:

Building surveyor - £22,000-£70,000 Land surveyor - £20,000-£70,000 Technical surveyor - £18,000-£32,000

With experience, salaries increase drastically in this field.

What qualifications do I need for a career in Surveying?

If you have an academic qualification such as the Level 3 NVQ in Surveying, Property and Maintenance then you could progress onto an RICs accredited degree.

For more traditional A-level subjects, English and Maths A-levels are good starting points because of the analysis and communication aspects of building surveyors roles.

Many roles in surveying will require a degree, but if you have a HND then you will be able to work as a surveying technician, instead of a surveyor, and potentially pursue the qualifications that will be necessary to progress your career.