Surveying is known as an industry with older age profile – in fact, the average age of a Chartered Surveyor is thought to be 55! So it is extremely positively to hear that there has been an increase in young professionals joining the industry. According to the RICS, the last six years has seen the number of young people (aged 18-30) qualifying as Chartered or Associate Surveyors increase by 30%. In 2013, 1,125 18-30 year-olds qualified, but in 2018, this number grew to just under 1,520.
Although experience and wisdom are invaluable qualities, Lea Hough have long-recognised the need to invest in the next generation of talent. As such, we often recruit students during their year out, and also take on graduates with a view to growing our own young AssocRICS and MRICS Chartered Surveyors.
As a practice covering a wide range of disciplines, we are able to provide a varied and interesting workload, giving exposure to areas including Building Surveying, Valuation Surveying, and Planning & Development Surveying across both residential and commercial properties.
Paul Dignan, Partner at Lea Hough and head of training at the firm said:
“It’s fantastic to see that more young people are actively joining the industry. Over the last decade, there has been a real skills shortage in the profession, so the new talent should not only help to address this but also create more diverse and inclusive workforce.
“I would always encourage young surveyors to join a small/medium sized firm – ideally local to where they live. By doing this, trainee surveyors can work directly alongside a team of experienced surveyors, rather than just being a “number” for a corporate firm. This often goes hand in hand with being exposed to a better variety of work, something that can prove hugely beneficial when it comes to taking the final APC assessment.
“In small / medium sized firms, it’s likely that the colleagues you will shadow will have more control over the work experience that they can give to you. Another benefit of regional surveying firms is that they often have good local connections, so over time, you can gradually build up a network of contacts.”
Lea Hough are always on the lookout for bright graduates / APC candidates looking to develop a career in surveying. We have a structured training plan and we are fully familiar with the APC process having already helped guide a number of current team members though the process, who have qualified with RICS. Find out more about our training programme and opportunities for graduates here.
