A great way to become qualified in a global profession like surveying, apprenticeships provide the opportunity to earn and learn whilst working in the surveying profession.

Available to anyone over the age of 16, apprenticeships offer valuable paid-work experiences suitable for people of all ages and skill levels. This includes those early in their career, not in full-time education, and those seeking to upskill in their current role or those who want to transition to a new career entirely.

With a variety of apprenticeships available worldwide, it's essential to select one that best suits your skills and can help you with your desired career progression. Depending on the type of apprenticeship you choose, it can take between one and six years to qualify. During this time, you will get paid a salary like any other employee, complete with holiday leave and dedicated study time alongside your role.

“The apprenticeship pathway was a no-brainer for me because it seamlessly blends studies and real-world work. This dual journey not only boosts my learning but also fast-tracks my career progression. By the time I complete my apprenticeship, I'll have not just a degree but also five years of invaluable industry experience, putting me steps ahead on the career ladder.”

Brandon Heald

Assistant Surveyor, Markhams Limited

How do I employ an apprentice?

What types of apprenticeships are available?

There are 2 levels of surveying apprenticeship:

Level 3 - Surveying technician (level 3) - apprenticeship training course (education.gov.uk)

Level 6 -  Chartered surveyor (degree) (level 6) - apprenticeship training course (education.gov.uk)

The Level 6 Chartered Surveying Apprenticeship includes a RICS accredited undergraduate, PGDip or Master’s degree. The duration is typically between 60 months for the undergraduate and 30 months for the postgraduate. Upon completion, you gain chartered status; RICS (MRICS) status. The Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship standard has three distinct apprenticeship pathways:

  1. Building Surveying
  2. Quantity Surveying & Project Management
  3. Property.

What are the benefits of apprenticeships?

Studying via an apprenticeship route has several benefits, providing a unique and hands-on approach to learning. Some key advantages include:

  • Practical Experience: Apprenticeships offer on-the-job training, allowing individuals to gain practical, real-world experience in their chosen field. This hands-on experience can be invaluable in developing the skills and knowledge needed for a specific job.
  • Earn While You Learn: One of the significant advantages of apprenticeships is that participants earn a salary while they are learning. This helps to offset the costs of education and living expenses, making it a more financially sustainable option compared to traditional education.
  • Industry-Relevant Skills: Apprenticeships are typically designed in collaboration with employers, ensuring that the skills and knowledge acquired are directly relevant to the industry's needs. This makes apprenticeship graduates well-prepared for the demands of their chosen profession.
  • Networking Opportunities: Apprenticeships provide opportunities to build a professional network within the industry. Through interactions with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals, apprentices can establish valuable connections that may prove beneficial throughout their careers.
  • Smooth Transition to Employment: Since apprenticeships involve working in a real job environment, apprentices are already integrated into the workforce. This can facilitate a smoother transition from education to employment, as apprentices are familiar with the workplace culture and expectations.
  • Job Security: Completing an apprenticeship often increases job security. Employers invest in the training of apprentices, and upon successful completion, apprentices are likely to be retained by the same employer. This can be particularly advantageous in industries with high demand for skilled workers.
  • Diverse Learning Pathways: Apprenticeships are available in a wide range of industries and professions. Whether in the trades, technology, healthcare, or other sectors, there are diverse apprenticeship opportunities that cater to different interests and career goals.
  • Personalised Learning: Apprenticeships often provide a more personalized and tailored learning experience. The training is focused on the specific needs of the job, allowing apprentices to develop expertise in areas that are directly applicable to their chosen field.
  • Professional Development: In addition to gaining technical skills, apprenticeships often include professional development components. This can include soft skills, communication, teamwork, and other attributes that contribute to overall career success.
  • Recognition and Qualifications: Successful completion of an apprenticeship usually results in recognized qualifications and certifications. These credentials enhance the apprentice's resume and demonstrate to employers that they have undergone rigorous training in their field.

How can I find further information about level 3 or 6 surveying apprenticeships?

How can I find an apprenticeship?

There is more information and guidance here Apprenticeships | Careers Wales (gov.wales).

These are the providers of construction related training in Wales:

Network75: Network75 | University of South Wales

Capital Training Ground Ltd: https://capital-training-south-wales-ltd.mytrainingwebsite.co.uk/

Cardiff and Vale College: https://www.cavc.ac.uk/en/16-18/apprenticeships/

Coleg Cambria: https://www.cambria.ac.uk/subject/apprenticeships/

Pembrokeshire College: https://www.pembrokeshire.ac.uk/

There are now a few apprenticeships in Northern Ireland that could work for you. Most of the vacancies are advertised through Work+.

Although there is no direct Building Surveying apprenticeship currently in Northern Ireland there is a new apprenticeship programme at Southern Regional College in Digital Construction that would be suitable as a route to surveying.

South West College offer an apprenticeship in construction engineering with surveying.

The current full list of current higher apprenticeships available for the built environment and engineering is below:

 

Sector

Title

College / University

Qualification

Built environment

Architectural engineering and energy

SWC

Foundation degree in architectural engineering and energy

 

Civil and environmental engineering

SWC

Foundation degree in civil and environmental engineering

 

Civil engineering

BMC

Foundation degree in civil engineering

 

 

NWRC

Foundation degree in civil engineering (with CertHE exit award)

 

Construction

Northern
SERC

Higher National Certificate (HNC) in construction and the built environment pathway construction

 

 

SERC

Higher National Certificate (HNC) in construction and the built environment pathway building services - engineering

 

 

SERC
NRC

HNC in construction and the built environment pathway civil engineering

 

Construction engineering with surveying

SWC

Foundation degree in construction engineering with surveying

 

Energy environment and sustainability

SWC

Foundation degree in energy environment and sustainability

 

Gas management

SERC

LOGIC certificate in gas safety management

Engineering and manufacturing

Advanced manufacturing

Northern

Foundation degree in electrical and electronic engineering

 

 

Northern
SERC

Foundation degree in mechanical and manufacturing engineering

 

Civil engineering

UU

BEng(Hons)/ MEng(Hons) in  civil engineering

 

Manufacturing engineering

SWC

Foundation degree in engineering, with specialisms in manufacturing (two years)

Foundation degree in engineering, with specialisms in manufacturing (three years)

 

Mechanical engineering

NWRC

Foundation degree in mechanical engineering

 

Mechatronic engineering

SWC

Foundation degree in engineering with specialisms in mechatronics (two years)

Foundation degree in engineering, with specialisms in mechatronics (three years)

 

Mechatronics

SERC
SRC

Foundation degree in mechatronic engineering

The key showing which university offers what is below:

 

In Scotland there is a single degree or a graduate apprenticeship - Construction and the Built Environment, and it is currently run in 4 universities: Edinburgh Napier, Heriot Watt, Glasgow Caledonian and Robert Gordon.

  • Edinburgh Napier is running 3 pathways – BS, QS and RE and all are fully RICS accredited.
  • Glasgow Caledonian is running 1 pathway – QS and is fully RICS accredited.
  • Heriot Watt is running 1 pathway – QS.
  • Robert Gordon has chosen to use the CPM route.


Job sites

S1 Jobs

RICS Recruit

For full details about Graduate Level Apprenticeships, please refer to Apprenticeships | Graduate Construction and the Built Environment.

You can find government-backed apprenticeships through Scotland’s national skills body Skills Development Scotland.

Information on apprenticeship funding can be found here (for employers only).