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Sean Asks...
I am due to take my GCSE's this year. I undertook my work experience with the Local Authority with the surveyors department and am really interested in this and building control. Where can I look for an apprenticeship in this area.
What we suggest...
Hi Sean, thanks for contacting q2a with your enquiry.
It is great to hear you have found an area of work that you are keen to pursue as a career. This helps you focus on the qualifications and experience you need to make a successful entry into this field of work. Before we look at how you can access apprenticeships in your area, it may be helpful to have a look at the features of surveying as a profession.
There are a number of types of surveyor listed for buildings; these include Quantity Surveyors, Building Control Surveyors and Technical Surveyors. For example Building Control Surveyors play an important role in ensuring that buildings are safe in which to live and work. They regularly visit the construction site to ensure the government building regulations are observed at the planning and construction stages of a new building. They also advise on Health and Safety regulations, conservation and energy issues, disabled access, public health and planning law.
From our research it seems that work-based training in Surveying is organised through the Chartered Surveyors Training Trust. They offer work-based training for young people aged 16 to 24. Applicants must have at least four GCSE's/S grades (A-C/1-3) or equivalent qualifications. You can contact them for more information at:
- Chartered Surveyors Training Trust, Downstream Building, 1 London Bridge, London. SE1 9BG. Telephone: 0207 785 3850. Website: http://www.cstt.org.uk
Another option for you to think about would be to ask if the school or college you attend now will be offering the new Diploma qualification. There is one in Construction and the Built Environment, which could be a useful start for a career in surveying. From 2010 many of the Diplomas will attract UCAS tariff points towards entry to degree courses. You can also get information from:
- Connexions Corby
The Connaughty Centre
Cottingham Road 01536 275 860
Corby
Tel 01536 275860
- http://yp.direct.gov.uk/diplomas/subjects/Construction_Built_Environment/index.cfm
We've checked out the website for the 14-19 year olds' prospectus in Northamptonshire (https://www.xplore.uk.com/CAP/Home.aspx) and there aren't any apprenticeships in surveying listed here but it might be worth keeping a check on this website to see if things change.
It's worth checking out the Apprenticeships website from time to time www.apprenticeships.org.uk and their helpline is very good:-
08000 150 600.
Another possible route is to enter the profession via a local authority as e.g. assistant building control surveyor and study for relevant qualifications whilst working. You can check for local authority vacancies in your local newspapers, in your Jobcentre Plus (detail as above) or on their websites:
- http://www.corby.gov.uk
- http://jobs.northampton.gov.uk/
- http://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk
- http://www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u/
You could even suggest to the department where you had your work experience that they could create an apprenticeship opportunity. There is lots of advice for would be providers on the apprenticeship website.
The route that many people take into surveying is by doing a 3 year full-time degree or a 4 year sandwich course. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is the main professional institution for Surveyors, and membership is essential to become a chartered surveyor. To become a member of RICS, surveyors usually need to take a degree or postgraduate conversion course accredited by RICS.
For a RICS-accredited degree course, the qualifications needed are generally three A levels/four H grades or a relevant BTEC national award, plus at least five GCSE's/S grades (A-C/1-3), or equivalent. Check specific requirements with individual institutions. Useful A level/H grade subjects include English, geography, maths, the physical sciences, geology, economics, law, IT, art, business studies, languages and design and technology.
Applicants can also take a first degree not accredited by RICS followed by an accredited postgraduate conversion course. Useful first degree subjects include geography, mathematics, economics and physical sciences. Candidates without the academic qualifications for degree courses may be able to take HNC/HND courses or Foundation degrees. These can be 'topped up' with further study for RICS-accredited degrees.
We hope you find this information helpful. We wish you success in your chosen career.
Please feel free to contact us again.
Best wishes,
q2a
Expert advice and every precaution has been taken to ensure that the information on this page is trustworthy and reliable, but the publishers do not hold themselves responsible for any inaccuracy as information can go out of date very quickly. This page gives general guidance only and should not be treated as a complete and authoritative statement of the law. With regard to suggested weblinks given in this reply please note that Lancashire County Council is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
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