Quantity Surveyor Trainee

Quantity Surveyor Trainee
By Angela G. M.

Are you a natural financial planner? Can you manage large projects, maintain quality standards, and work well within a set budget? A Trainee Quantity Surveyor strives to do all of the above with accuracy and economic skill.

So what does a Trainee Quantity Surveyor do exactly? Building projects, large and small, require someone who can minimize supply costs while maintaining the utmost quality. They provide professional insight concerning cost analysis, procurements, building contracts, progress reports, and commercial risks. A Trainee Quantity Surveyor must also be familiar with specific building, health, and safety regulations.

Expect to work at least 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday. Weekend work or a little overtime may be required depending on the project's deadline. Although this position is typically performed in an office, the Trainee Quantity Surveyor might have to work at the construction site or out of town depending on the company's requirements.

Salaries do vary depending on experience. New trainee surveyors make $16,000 - $20,000. Experienced Surveyors can expect to make $30,000 - $40,000; and Senior Quantity Surveyors can make $60,000 or more. Most surveyor positions are salary-based, but there are some positions that pay hourly.

Even though there are no strict requirements to break into this field, in depth education or work experience can be extremely helpful in securing a Trainee Quantity Surveyor position. Candidates need to possess one or more of the following abilities: knowledge of business and finance, mathematical skills, excellent communication skills, the ability to lead others, and a strong work ethic.

There are several educational opportunities available to those who would like to become a Trainee Quantity Surveyor. An apprenticeship can be obtained from certain construction companies, building contractors, or engineering firms who are willing to train individuals in this particular field. With growing work experience, expect a higher position and better pay.

There's also an opportunity to enter the surveying arena with an advanced apprenticeship. A limited number of applications are approved each year. The person applying must be between the ages of 16 - 24, and they should have at least 4 A-Level college courses in Math, English, and Science. The average pay for an advanced apprentice is $100 - $200 while studying to become a Trainee Quantity Surveyor.

Some people may choose accredited college degrees to enter the surveying field immediately upon graduation. Important degree majors include: civil engineering, economics, business administration, or physical sciences. A degree is not required to become a Trainee Quantity Surveyor, but an education could help secure a position sooner than someone working as an apprentice.

Sometimes a combination of accredited college courses and supervised training are used as a springboard to enter this field. The classes and the hands-on training can provide a Chartered status. Chartered Quantity Surveyors can make up to $50,000.

Many construction companies, building contractors, and government facilities are currently looking to fill surveying positions. A Trainee surveyor must be able to make sound financial decisions; they play a necessary and vital role in construction projects from the initial cost analysis to the final disbursements. The need for surveyors continues to grow rapidly.

A Trainee Quantity Surveyor position opens the door for other career opportunities as well. Depending on how many years of experience and how much education a surveyor has, he/she has several options available. Surveyors can easily move into a senior position, become a project/construction manager, or start a consulting business.

Careers are plentiful in every avenue of this field. Check current job websites for open positions, local construction companies for possible apprentice opportunities, and local colleges for accredited courses in the field of surveying.

To learn more about quantity surveying be sure to visit the quantity surveyors website for all your quantity survey needs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angela_G._M.
http://EzineArticles.com/?Quantity-Surveyor-Trainee&id=4919643