Quantity surveyor

Entry Requirements:

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
• land studies

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could take a surveying technician advanced apprenticeship, followed by further training on the job, or a chartered surveyor or construction quantity surveyor degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 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.

OtherRoutes

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 .

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• 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 use your initiative
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to read English
• business management skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• excellent written communication skills
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Quantity surveyors oversee construction projects, managing risks and controlling costs.

In your day-to-day tasks you could:

• find out a client's needs and assess if the plans are feasible
• work out quantities and costs of materials, time and labour for tenders
• negotiate contracts and work schedules
• advise on legal matters, including risks and disputes
• monitor sub-contractors and stages of construction
• report on costs and prepare accounts for payment
• keep up to date with construction methods and materials
• follow health and safety and building regulations

Location : You could work at a client's business or in an office.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £25,000
Experienced : £80,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends occasionally

Career Path:

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.