What are you looking for

£18,000 Starter

Average salary (a year)

£28,000 Experienced

Average salary (a year)

45 to 47 a week

Typical hours (a week)

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this job

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

University

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

  • construction
  • building surveying
  • civil engineering

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

College

You can take a college course to learn some of the skills needed for the job. This may help you when you apply 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

Entry requirements

You may need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You could do a surveying technician advanced apprenticeship.

After you've completed an apprenticeship, you can become an associate member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

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

What it takes

Find out what skills you will use in this role

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

What you will do

Discover the day to day takes you'll do in this role

Day-to-day tasks

Depending on the field of surveying you work in, you could:

  • estimate and draw up project costs
  • measure and record data on land, buildings or construction projects
  • create plans using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software
  • assist with environmental impact assessments
  • survey buildings or map land use
  • value land, property and machinery
  • organise the sale of assets by auction
  • visit sites to report on the progress of projects

Working environment

You could work in an office, visit sites or on a construction site.

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 profession

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities

You could become self-employed and work as a freelance surveying technician.

With experience and further training you could become a professional surveyor.

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