Scanning through the employment opportunities on this very website it is encouraging to see many jobs in quantity surveying advertised. However, for some looking to move in to this profession for the first time either as a graduate or perhaps as a complete change of career, a foot in the door can sometimes be hard to achieve.

This is where the option of an apprenticeship can be quite appealing, as it can provide valuable experience learning on the job and earning at the same time. Apprenticeships are open to anyone in England over the age of 16 whether they are just leaving school, have been working for years or are seeking to start a new career.

There are five pathways of specialisation in a surveying, property and maintenance apprenticeship. These pathways are maintenance, general practice, valuation, building surveying and quantity surveying giving the potential to learn how to assess the condition of a property, or how to manage the development of land.

An apprenticeship can provide a wide array of skills so long as the employer is willing to invest their time and experience in the employee. Other skills learned could include cost control, dispute resolution, building regulations as well as health and safety and presentation of survey data.

Candidates do not to pay for the apprenticeship and will gain an income from the employer. On completion of the training apprentices will have gained valuable knowledge with better prospects of finding jobs in quantity surveying.