Surveying technician

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

• construction
• building surveying
• civil engineering

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You can take a college course to learn some of the skills needed for the job. This may help when you apply for a trainee position.

Relevant courses include:

• construction and the built environment
• engineering surveying
• civil engineering for technicians
• T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could apply to do a Surveying Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship with a surveying company, construction firm or local authority.

This takes around 2 years to complete and combines on-the-job training and time spent with a learning provider.

Find out more about surveying apprenticeships from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors .

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could join the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors for professional development opportunities.

Further Information

You can find out more about surveying careers from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

As a surveying technician, you could:

• estimate and draw up project costs
• measure and record data on engineering and construction projects
• create plans using computer-aided design (CAD) software
• assist with environmental impact assessments
• survey buildings or map land use, with laser scanning and GPS equipment
• value land, property and machinery
• organise the sale of assets by auction
• visit sites and help to produce survey reports

You could work in an office, visit sites or on a construction site.

Your working environment may be at height and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.