Surveying apprenticeships on the rise

Since the roll out of trailblazer apprenticeships as an End Point Assessment Organisation for two surveying apprenticeships in 2016, RICS has been at the forefront of apprenticeships, promoting them as an equal way into the profession alongside more traditional academic routes. We have been heavily involved in overcoming any challenges that new policy presents, supporting employers as well as training providers in delivering successful programmes.

The numbers speak for themselves. Growth in Surveying Technician Apprenticeships and Chartered Surveyor Apprenticeships have blossomed in the last three years.

Level 3 (Associate RICS) qualified Surveying Technicians since 2015:

• 2018/19: 564
• 2017/18: 396
• 2016/17: 225
• 2015/16: 99

There are three more providers getting ready to offer the Surveying Technician apprenticeship, so we hope that numbers will continue to grow in 2018/19. Research carried out by RICS shows that most Universities are accepting successful achievement of this apprenticeship as entry to the Chartered Surveyor Degree apprenticeship.

Level 6 (MRICS) qualified Chartered Surveyors since 2015:

• 2018/19: 2145
• 2017/18: 1108
• 2016/17: 292
• 2015/16: 69

Currently 18 out of 52 partner universities are delivering apprenticeships, with others considering delivery. Universities are interested because the apprenticeship appeals to a different range of people and provides very strong engagement with employers alongside their full-time undergraduate courses.

We have not seen apprenticeship growth in numbers affect recruitment to full-time undergraduate courses, these continue to grow at approx. 4% year on year over the last four years.

The story behind the numbers

As big numbers, these tell a very positive story and from our conversations we are expecting numbers to continue to rise further. What is also encouraging is we’ve found excellent diversity in terms of gender and especially ethnicity, suggesting this route in to surveying is opening the profession to a diverse skill set of talent.

We now have many apprentices working through their Chartered Surveyor Degree apprenticeship, having begun their career taking the Surveying Technician Apprenticeship. That will mean they will have seven years' experience by the time they take their APC.

Internally, RICS teams have improved internal reporting systems and produced guidance and support for employers and providers. With support from Matrics, talks have been given at Universities and to employers raising awareness of how apprenticeships operate and breaking down some of the myths around apprenticeships.

The future

Despite the positive look of these numbers, we must not be complacent. We are working closely with providers to ensure that all delivery is of the highest quality and we are also working with employers, both large and small, to help support those who are looking to employ their first apprentices.

No matter the size of your organisation, if you are an employer who hasn’t looked at offering a surveying apprenticeship, then why not?