Do you enjoy project management, problem-solving and working in teams? Does a mix of on-site and office work appeal to you? Have you considered a career in quantity surveying? If so, enrol on a quanity surveying courses by searching on Courses.ie
What do quantity surveying courses entail?
As a quantity surveyor, your job will allow you to travel, use pioneering technology and work on various types of projects. From small domestic projects to large constructions, each project brings new and exciting challenges and quantity surveying courses teach all about this exciting area. Quantity surveyors conduct feasibility studies to estimate materials, time and labour costs on construction projects. Essentially they are responsible for managing all the costs related to the construction. They work closely with architects, engineers, builders and contractors. Their duties also include preparing costs for tenders and sub-contracts. In addition, surveyors manage construction costs.
Studying quantity surveying
The majority of Institutes of technology in Ireland offer courses in quantity surveying and construction economics. The first step on the path to becoming a qualified quantity surveyor is to attain a Bachelor of Science (BSC) degree. The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland accredit these courses and they are recognised around the world.
Graduates can then specialise further at postgraduate level to pursue a specific area of quantity surveying or to progress to a higher position within a practice. Courses offer students the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the construction industry in Ireland. This includes the technical, economic, legal, financial, and managerial structures. Furthermore, students complete modules designed to improve their numeracy and problem-solving skills as well as enhance their technical abilities.
What you will study
Programmes give students real-life experience working on live projects and provide them with exceptional project management skills. As part of their final examination students will have to demonstrate their learning and acquired skills by submitting a construction project they surveyed independently.
Graduates can then begin their structured practical training, while in employment, to gain chartered surveyor status, which can help to accelerate their careers. This programme takes approximately two years to complete and upon successful completion of the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC), the trainee becomes a member of the SCS and the RICS. Courses at post-graduate level allow the student specialise in one of three areas of quantity surveying; public sector building, civil engineering and mechanical & electrical engineering.
Career Prospects
The Irish economy is predicted to grow over the next number of years. Consequently, this means there will be a greater demand for quantity surveyors. According to research carried out by the SCSI (Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland) in 2017, there is currently a lack of enrolment to third level courses in quantity surveying. This means that for those who choose to study as a quantity surveyor, job prospects upon graduation are excellent.
As a result, salary expectations for working graduates are above the average industrial wage according to the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (2017). Professionals may also be able to avail of added benefits such as:
- A company vehicle
- Private health insurance
- Pension scheme
- Performance-based commissions and bonuses
Quantity surveyors work in private practice as employees but many progress to become a senior manager or partner in the firm later in their careers.
Rather than quantity surveyor, other job titles are construction cost consultant, economic advisor or commercial manager. However, their responsibilities and duties remain the same. Furthermore, surveyors are also directly employed by the client, civil engineering contractors, government departments and other semi-state bodies.
Find quantity surveying courses on Courses.ie.
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