Retraining in building surveying

[Erlouise]

Hi ladies

I’m late 20s and looking to start a career single becoming a lone parent. I currently work in construction and have a lot of knowledge. Really interested and in becoming a building surveyor.

only GCSE qualified and looking at RICS website the best route for me would be UCEM part time degree over 4.5 years costing 27k which is a hell of a lot of money - paid over the 4.5 years.

im really keen but equally conscious about the cost and how much is involved etc.

does anyone work in this field and feel it’s worthwhile, or any advice from anyone in general?

thanks x

I would consider becoming a Quantity surveyor, you can often join a graduate scheme and they pay for any courses/training you may need.

I have a degree, but lots of my colleagues joined with just a levels.

I have done this and my salary has tripled over the last 9 years.

Well worth it.

Just also to say I started in this career when I was 26. And also now a single mother.

I’m a building surveyor and was a building inspector for years. With your background in construction, would you consider applying for an entry level building control job? Where I worked, we would sponsor suitable candidates and pay for their degrees in building surveying.

LABC also run an excellent apprenticeship programme whereby you’d work for a local authority whilst studying part time.

https://www.labc.co.uk/professionals/building-control-apprenticeships

Valuation Office Agency might be worth a look. My relative worked there in a role and took a degree in some kind of surveyor role in her 50's. Sorry I can't be more specific

What are the pay levels like these days?

Depends what you do but a QS/ building surveyor could easily expect 60k+ plus car/ bonus