The property industry is in desperate need of young talented professionals with the aptitude to become the next generation of leaders and experts in their field. Not going to Uni could be one of the best decisions you make in your journey to achieving this. Becoming a Chartered Surveyor is not easy - there’s no doubting that. However, working whilst you learn could place you well ahead of the competition and give you the leverage to boost your career at an early stage.
There are various routes to becoming a Member of the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) that do not involve the traditional graduate route of undertaking a full-time RICS-accredited degree. The newest for the property industry is undertaking either a Surveying Technician Apprenticeship or a Chartered Surveyor Apprenticeship.
Attaining full MRICS status is typically seen as the hallmark and gold standard of professionalism in the property industry. You can become a Chartered Surveyor in many different areas of practice, e.g. commercial property, building surveying, minerals and waste management, planning and development, project management, residential property, rural, valuation and quantity surveying.
Taking the Surveying Technician Apprentice route
A Surveying Technician Apprenticeship takes two years to complete. The entry requirements include five GCSEs at Grade C including maths and English (or equivalent). At the end of your apprenticeship, you will achieve a Level 3 Diploma in Surveying and Associate membership of the RICS (AssocRICS). The average AssocRICS salary is £41,679 according to RICS.
Taking the Chartered Surveyor Apprentice route
A Chartered Surveyor Apprenticeship takes five years to complete. The entry requirements include three A levels at Grace C or equivalent, including completion of a Level 3 Surveying Technician Apprenticeship. At the end of your apprenticeship, you will acquire a degree for free, together with becoming MRICS. The average MRICS salary is £54,762 according to RICS.
Ten benefits of becoming an apprentice Chartered Surveyor
1. You learn on the job from both your peers and leading Chartered Surveyors - providing something invaluable that you simply can’t acquire in the classroom.
2. It’s often who you know, not what you know that counts - you’ll have the opportunity to network with a wide range of professionals from many different fields. Build your network early and it’ll stand you in good stead for the future.
3. Earn a fair salary and be financially independent whilst you study - give yourself the best start in working life by having funds available to enjoy a good work life balance and to help you seek opportunities for personal and professional development. You also won’t acquire any student debt!
4. Five years’ plus work-based experience will allow you to gain a wide range of skills in a variety of different sectors - you will be miles ahead of the competition by the time you qualify.
5. Gain the respect of others by showing the skills required to work and study - commitment, time management and a hard-working attitude.
6. You’ll have two support teams; your employer and your training provider. They will have different skills and perspectives to offer.
7. You could consider joining a support and networking organisation such as the YAAN Network - attend events with your peers and former apprentices to build your network and give you an edge on the competition.
8. You’ll gain an industry-recognised qualification that is in high demand locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
9. It’s hard work being an apprentice - learning this early on will give you the insight to know how to manage your workload and ask for help when you need it.
10. It is one of the single most rewarding things you can do - every day you will enjoy little victories through your studies and work. Enjoy it!
You can find more about apprenticeships by contacting Jen Lemen of Property Elite or checking out the RICS website.
