The demand for Quantity Surveyors at all levels is very high currently and with projects all across the UK such as HS2 among others, this trend seems to be here to stay (for the foreseeable future at least).
So how do you become a qualified Quantity Surveyor?
According to the National Careers Service, there are 4 main ways to get into this line of work:
-Through a university course such as a quantity surveying degree, other useful degree subjects include construction, structural or civil engineering, maths and even land studies.
-An apprenticeship such as a Surveying Technician apprenticeship followed by further training on the job or a chartered surveyor or construction quantity surveyor degree apprenticeship.-
By working towards it, you could start as a surveying technician or Assistant Quantity Surveyor and study part time whilst you work and learn.
-Via a graduate scheme with a company or through distance learning.
What skills are desirable in this role?
The ideal Quantity Surveyor will have good maths knowledge, analytical thinking and thorough attention to details.
You’ll also have a solid knowledge of building, construction, engineering and technology. Will be a commercially and contractually astute individual that takes ownership of performance.
A proactive person with a disposition to take action pre-emptively to manage risk and opportunity.
You will also have intermediate to advanced Excel skills
Be a results driven individual with the capability of working on their own initiative.
Ability to deal with large amounts of data accurately and efficiently.
What does a day in the life of a Quantity Surveyor look like?
A Quantity Surveyor normally works alongside a team of other Quantity Surveyors and reports to the Senior Quantity Surveyor who in turns reports to the Managing Quantity Surveyor.
Day to day duties include:
- Providing reports to the client’s senior management on the costs associated with the projects.
- Advising and approving cost analysis for repair and maintenance project work
- Establishing a client’s requirements and undertaking feasibility studies
- Performing risk and value management and cost control
- Advising on procurement strategy
- Managing and advising on the tendering process, including checking and approving tender and contract documents.
- Ensuring the preparation of monthly cost/profit forecasts are being carried out.
- Providing advice and support to the team when agreeing, with the contractor, suitable sub-contractors to work on projects.
- Maintaining knowledge of various subcontractor contracts.
- Keep up to date with construction methods and materials.
What is the career progression for a Quantity Surveyor?
Over time and with experience, you could become a Senior Quantity Surveyor or move into Senior Project Management, Commercial Management, consultancy work or self-employment.
For more information from the National Career Service on how to become a Quantity Surveyor, follow this link.
We currently have a lot of new opportunities for Freelance and Permanent Qualified Quantity Surveyors – Check out our Job Board for further details.
