Technical surveyor apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university coursea college coursean apprenticeship
University
You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like construction, building surveying or civil engineering. You'll usually need 1 or 2 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma. For a degree you need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent.
College
You can take a college course, to learn some of the skills needed for the job, which may help when applying for a trainee position. Relevant courses include:
- Level 3 Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment
- Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Surveying
- Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering for Technicians
- T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction
You may need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level.
Apprenticeship
The following Apprenticeships may be relevant to this role:
- Level 3 surveying technician
- Level 3 civil engineering technician
- Higher construction quantity surveying technician
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. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship.
Technical surveyor apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- maths knowledge
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of geography
- analytical thinking skills
- design skills and knowledge
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- knowledge of building and construction
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to have a Certificate of Competence, if you carry out hazardous tasks using a chainsaw
Technical surveyor apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
You could:
- draught plans using CAD software
- estimate and draw up project costs
- gather and analyse data for plans and reports
- assist with environmental impact assessments
- survey buildings or map land use
- value land, property and machinery
- organise the sale of assets by auction
- supervise construction operatives on site
- schedule workloads and monitor the progress of projects
Working environment
You could work on a construction site or in an office.
Your working environment may be at height and outdoors in all weathers.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Career path and progression - Technical surveyor apprenticeships
With experience, you could become a self-employed consultant, or go into partnership with a chartered surveyor.
You could move into a managerial role, or a related job like town planner or wayleave officer, where you'll negotiate land purchase and access arrangements for utility companies.