You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

• building services engineering
• surveying
• construction management
• facilities management

You could do a qualification by distance learning through the University of the Built Environment.

You can also complete courses full time or part time. Flexible study may be an option if you're already working in the industry.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You may be able to take an advanced apprenticeship as a facilities supervisor or a higher apprenticeship as a facilities manager. You could do this while working in an estates office.

It will usually take 18 to 24 months to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 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 higher or degree apprenticeship

You could apply directly if you've got experience and qualifications in a related career like property management, building health and safety or surveying.

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

Learning to drive can be useful, particularly if you're working in the countryside or across several sites.

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 rent prices
• negotiate and advise on buying property
• 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

You could work in an office or from home.

Your working environment may be at height and outdoors some of the time.