How to Become a Quantity Surveyor: The Apprenticeship Path to Success

To become a quantity surveyor, pursue a degree in quantity surveying or construction management. Enhance your prospects by gaining hands-on experience through internships or follow the apprenticeship route.

Choosing the Apprenticeship Route to Become a Quantity Surveyor

Are you pondering over how to become a quantity surveyor? Entering the field of quantity surveying can be a transformative career move, offering opportunities to play a pivotal role in the construction industry. My journey into this fascinating world took a less traditional route — through an apprenticeship rather than a university degree. Now, at 26, serving as a Commercial Manager, I want to guide aspiring quantity surveyors on how to become a quantity surveyor using the apprenticeship route, emphasizing sustained hard work and the importance of building personal relationships.

Opting for an apprenticeship as a pathway on how to become a quantity surveyor offers a blend of practical experience and academic learning. This approach allows for applying theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, providing early exposure to the construction environment and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by quantity surveyors. The path is hard but you get out of It what you put into it. The rewards of becoming a quantity surveyor by following this route are on par If not superior to those who follow the traditional path through University.

The Journey of Continuous Learning in Quantity Surveying

Commitment to continuous learning is crucial when you're looking into how to become a quantity surveyor. Balancing work with study, apprenticeships offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers everything from construction technology to cost management, essential for aspiring quantity surveyors.

One of the most significant advancements in Continuous personal development has been the rise of e-learning platforms. E-learning offers a flexible and accessible means for quantity surveyors to stay updated with the latest developments in management skills, technology, sustainability practices, and regulatory changes. It allows professionals to tailor their learning experiences to their specific needs and schedules, making it an invaluable resource for personal and professional development.

E-learning courses specifically designed for quantity surveyors cover a wide range of topics, from advanced project management techniques and sustainable construction practices to the latest software tools used in the industry. These courses not only provide knowledge on new methodologies and technologies but also offer insights into effective leadership, negotiation, and communication skills essential for managing projects and teams successfully.

The Power of Sustained Hard Work in Quantity Surveying

Understanding how to become a quantity surveyor involves recognizing the importance of sustained hard work. The apprenticeship route demands dedication, with a focus on prioritizing tasks and seeking out additional learning opportunities, which are vital steps in becoming a successful quantity surveyor. One personal task I set myself was to work twice as hard as anyone I worked with and to not settle for less than I deserved. It will take time and years of hard work but the path Is there for those who want to achieve.

Building Personal Relationships: A Key to Success in Quantity Surveying

A significant lesson in how to become a quantity surveyor is learning the value of building personal relationships within the construction industry. Trust, communication, and mutual respect are the cornerstones of these relationships, crucial for negotiating contracts, managing project costs, and resolving disputes effectively. If I had a pound for each time someone I worked with previously has been able to help resource or pass on knowledge that has been vital to a project then I would be a very wealthy man. One tip I truly believe will help with this is to never use a work phone, It may seem like a good idea to have a clear separation between work and home life however the vast majority of people in the industry couldn't think of anything worse than calling you after 4 o clock. I have hundreds of numbers saved in my phone from years of networking and meeting suppliers, clients and subcontractors. These are an endless resource which you should utilise.

Embracing Technology and Innovation in Quantity Surveying

For those exploring how to become a quantity surveyor, staying abreast of technological advancements is essential. Embracing new tools and methods can significantly enhance efficiency and accuracy in project delivery, setting you apart in the field of quantity surveying. My personal take on the best pieces of software to become proficient on If you want to become a Quantity Surveyor are as follows:

Rank	Software	What is it used for?
1	Microsoft Excel	This is the backbone of all commercial process, proficiency of this spreadsheet software is my no. 1 requirement when hiring quantity surveyors.
2	Renvu Bluebeam	This takeoff software is by far the best and most widely used I have come across. This tool is used to take quantity's off drawings, basically you get paid to colour in.
3	Chat GPT	Now this may seem like the odd answer on the list however I have used Chat GPT to cut my work load down greatly, from writing subcontract agreements to helping write policy for CHAS applications. This tool should not be overlooked.
4	Conquest	Conquest is a pricing software which is quicker and more reliable to build up estimates and fill out BOQs due to the catalogue of resources it holds.

Conclusion: Your Pathway on How to Become a Quantity Surveyor

The journey to become a quantity surveyor through an apprenticeship is enriching, offering lessons in hard work, the importance of relationships, and the need for continuous learning and adaptation. For those embarking on this path, dedication and a willingness to embrace challenges are key to building a successful career in quantity surveying.

At Holmwood Commercial Services, we champion the apprenticeship route for aspiring quantity surveyors, providing a foundation for a rewarding career in this dynamic profession. If you're seeking a career that blends practical experience with academic achievement, learning how to become a quantity surveyor through an apprenticeship might just be the perfect path for you.