Quantity Surveying vacancies seem to have increased since the turn of the year and the construction industry is crying out for more people to qualify for these roles. Anyone looking at the vacancies on this website for example, will see several vacancies have appeared over the last few weeks for surveyors specialising in areas such as mechanical and electrical.

Having specialist knowledge in a particular area related to your job can tip the balance in your favour when applying for jobs. This is true in any industry but it certainly applies to the construction industry and jobs such as quantity surveying, so getting an extra string to your bow is a definite benefit.

Getting additional qualifications or learning a new skill can be done either with the cooperation of your current employers or in your own time. With the age of the internet we can improve our education and gain new qualifications, even if we don?t live near a particular college as many courses can be done online.

For example the University of Salford offers courses in quantity surveying, and quantity surveying mechanical and electrical that can be done by part time distance learning over a two year period. Students can download programme materials, interact with tutors and fellow students, submit coursework and check assessment results over the Internet.

Of course this needs dedication and hard work over the two year period, especially if you already have a full time job. The benefits and satisfaction after gaining a new qualification must surely make it all worth it, especially if it boosts your job prospects.