8 November 2023
Quantity Surveying Apprenticeships
Quantity surveyors are the financial guardians of the construction sector. They work on a construction project from start to finish, managing costs, writing reports and communicating it with clients and contractors to ensure projects meet the correct legal and safety standards.
Fancy yourself one of those? Read on to learn more about quantity surveying apprenticeships and how you can make a juicy living – straight out of school!
- Can you get an apprenticeship in quantity surveying?
- Do you have to go to university to become a quantity surveyor?
- What skills do you need for quantity surveying?
- How much does an apprentice quantity surveyor earn?
Can you get an apprenticeship in quantity surveying?
You absolutely can! Quantity surveying apprenticeships are available at higher and degree levels. To do one, you’ll need a level 3 qualification, such as A-Levels (typically in Maths, Science and IT). Or completed an advanced apprenticeship.
As a quantity surveyor, you’ll be:
- Working with clients to bring their vision to life
- Studying proposals to ensure they’re feasible
- Preparing tenders
- Estimating material quantities, as well as timings and costings
- Negotiating contracts and schedules
- Performing risk assessments
- Assigning work to subcontractors and monitoring their progress at every stage
- Writing budget reports.
How do quantity surveying apprenticeships work?
Quantity surveying apprenticeships allow you to split your week between work and study.
You’ll spend four days a week on-the-job where you’ll get trained up to be the best at your game. And one day at college studying towards professional qualifications which are equivalent to a university degree.
Do you have to go to university to become a quantity surveyor?
Good news – you don’t need to go down the traditional university route to become a quantity surveyor. You can join an RICS approved Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship programme instead and get miles ahead in your career.
Degree apprenticeships are the crown jewels of the apprenticeship world. They give you the same qualifications as a degree, but have loads more benefits.
- An average salary of £20,000 or so a year, which will increase once qualified
- No tuition fee debt, as the government and your employer will cover these for you
- Lots of practical workplace experience.
Where can you do a degree apprenticeship in quantity surveying?
There are tons of universities offering quantity surveying apprenticeships. Some of these are:
- Anglia Ruskin University
- University of Central Lancashire
- University of Greenwich
- Liverpool John Moores University
- London South Bank University
How long do they take?
Quantity surveying degree apprenticeships take around five years to complete. You’ll spend a minimum of 30 hours a week at work and the rest on independent study. Once you’ve picked a university, you’ll need to find an employer to support you through your programme.
Did you know that some graduates are offered permanent employment before the end of their course? That’s right. Employers love degree apprentices as they’re oozing with experience, and know the tricks of the trade to make a successful career in that particular industry.
So if you do one, you’re in for a great shot of bagging a full-time gig when you’re done.
Want to find out what a quantity surveying apprenticeship is really like? Browse over 40,000 student written reviews to pick your dream team and scheme.
What skills do you need for quantity surveying?
Quantity surveyors are in huge demand in the construction industry. So if you want to be there at the top, jumping from project to project, wowing clients, you’ve got a fair few skills to ace.
- Maths, Science and Engineering knowledge
- Building and Construction knowledge
- Good commercial awareness
- Strong analytical skills
- Being a great communicator
- Ability to show initiative
- Excellent attention to detail
- Project management skills
- Capable of staying calm under pressure.
Employers don’t expect you to have it all together when you start your apprenticeship. You’re there to learn at the end of the day. And all good things take time. Just make sure you bring your best self to work, ready to show everyone what you’ve got. The rest will take care of itself.
Want to know the best companies out there for construction? View our Best Student Employers table and you could land yourself a role with Arcadis, Mace or Skanska.
How much does an apprentice quantity surveyor earn?
Quantity surveying is no joke. As one of the highest paying jobs out there, it can bring you serious riches once you make it big. But we all have to start somewhere. And apprenticeships are the first step on the career and salary ladder.
As a quantity surveying apprentice, you’ll get the National Minimum Wage which sits at £5.28 an hour. Some employers will top that up. So be mindful of that when applying for a role.
Once you’re qualified and know your way around the racecourse, you’re looking at taking home an average of £53,241 a year which could shoot up to £79,950 with experience!
Ba da ba ba ba, I’m loving it.
If you’re a Maths whizz, love being on your feet and bringing projects to life through great management and leadership, quantity surveying apprenticeships will be right up your street.
