Estates officer apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
applying directly
University
You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:
building services, engineering, surveying, construction management or facilities management. You could do a qualification by distance learning through the University College of Estate Management.
Courses can also be completed full-time or part-time. Flexible study may be an option if you're already working in the industry.
You'll usually need 1 or 2 A-Levels, or the equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma. You'll need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or the equivalent, for a degree.
College
You could learn some of the skills and knowledge needed to get into this role by taking a T Level in Building Services Engineering.
You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or the equivalent, including English and maths for a T level.
Apprenticeship
You may be able to take a Level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship or a higher apprenticeship as a facilities supervisor, while working in an estates office.
It'll usually take 18 to 24 months to complete.
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. For higher and degree apprenticeships, you'll normally need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or the equivalent.
Direct Application
You could apply directly if you've got experience and qualifications in a related career like property management, building health and safety or surveying. This job can vary depending on where you work. As an example, working in local authority or NHS buildings may be different to working in a charity, with a conservation group or on heritage sites.
Estates officer apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- customer service skills
- business management skills
- administration skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of economics and accounting
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and Requirements
Learning to drive can be useful, particularly if you're working in the countryside or across several sites.
Estates officer apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
In your day-to-day duties you could:
- organise and check repairs and maintenance
- check that properties are being used correctly
- deal with tenancy applications and agreements
- set and review rents
negotiate and advise on property purchase
- work with other departments and organisations
- analyse financial and other data
- write and present reports
- keep up to date with building controls and environmental issues
Working environment
You could work in an office or from home.
Your working environment may be at height and outdoors some of the time.
Career path and progression - Estates officer apprenticeships
With experience, you may be able to become an estates manager, or specialise in a particular department or area, for example:
rural estates
charities or housing associations
heritage or conservation sites
You may be able to take short courses as part of your job that will help you to develop specialist skills.
The public sector often contracts out estates work to private companies, so there may be opportunities to move between the two.