What is a Graduate Quantity Surveyor?

A Quantity Surveyor is a construction professional who focuses on building costs. Over time, you will be responsible for valuations, evaluating risk analysis, managing project funding and submitting bids.

What does a Graduate Quantity Surveyor do?

As you gain more knowledge and experience throughout the graduate scheme, you will be given more responsibility. However, when you are starting out in your career as a Graduate Quantity Surveyor, you will be required to undertake the following tasks: 

  • Assisting in understanding clients' requirements

  • Assisting in preparing monthly management reports

  • Understanding and applying health and safety regulations

  • Allocating work to subcontractors

  • Assisting in arranging payments for completed work

  • Preparing tender and contract documents

  • Writing reports

What qualifications and skills are required to become a Graduate Quantity Surveyor?

Due to the technical nature of the profession, most employers will normally require you to be degree qualified with an RICS accredited degree in a related subject, such as a BSc in Quantity Surveying and Cost Management.  

A Graduate Quantity Surveyor should also be:

  • Self-motivated and confident

  • Able to communicate well, both verbally and in writing

  • Able to manage their own workload and to support others when needed

  • Able to show initiative and act proactively

  • Flexible and adaptable

  • Able to use Microsoft packages including Word, Excel and Outlook

  • In possession of a full UK driver’s license (varies from company to company based on sites and office location)

What is a Graduate Scheme?

If you’re looking to find out more about graduate schemes within the UK construction industry then you’ve come to the right place. We have put together information on everything you need to know about graduate schemes within the construction and infrastructure.

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Need advice on applying for Quantity Surveyor graduate schemes?

If you are keen to enter a Quantity Surveyor graduate scheme, we have put together information on everything you need to know about applying for graduate schemes within the construction and infrastructure industries.

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Looking for a Graduate Quantity Surveyor job?

If you are looking for a new Graduate Quantity Surveyor opportunity, please get in touch with our specialist recruiters to discuss your situation in more detail. Alternatively you can search all of our current Graduate Quantity Surveyor jobs across the Construction, Civils, Rail, Power and Telecoms sectors.

Graduate Quantity Surveyor jobs

The importance of a Graduate Quantity Surveyor scheme

A Graduate Quantity Surveyor scheme is a structured program designed to attract, develop, and retain talented Graduate Quantity Surveyors within an organisation. It offers recent graduates the opportunity to gain practical work experience, enhance their skills, and accelerate their professional development. The importance of a Graduate Quantity Surveyor scheme cannot be understated, as it provides numerous benefits for both the Graduate Quantity Surveyor and the organisation that implement them.

For Graduate Quantity Surveyors, a Graduate Quantity Surveyor scheme offers a smooth transition from academia to the professional world. It provides a structured and supportive environment where they can apply their theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Graduate Quantity Surveyors have the chance to work alongside experienced Quantity Surveyor professionals, learn from their expertise, and understand the inner workings of the industry or organisation they are entering. This exposure helps Graduate Quantity Surveyors develop a deeper understanding of their chosen field, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their career path.

Furthermore, a Graduate Quantity Surveyor scheme provides Graduate Quantity Surveyors with a range of training opportunities. These programs often include formal training sessions, workshops, mentoring and on-the-job learning experiences. Through these initiatives, Graduate Quantity Surveyors can acquire new skills, refine existing ones, and gain a broader understanding of various aspects of their industry. This comprehensive training helps them become well-rounded professionals, capable of tackling complex challenges and adapting to evolving workplace demands.

Another crucial aspect of a Graduate Quantity Surveyor scheme is the networking opportunities it provides. Graduate Quantity Surveyors get the chance to interact with professionals at different levels within the organisation, as well as their fellow Graduate Quantity Surveyors. This networking can lead to valuable connections, mentorship relationships and future career prospects. Building a strong professional network early in one's career is vital for long-term success and a Graduate Quantity Surveyor scheme facilitates this process by fostering connections and collaboration.

From an organisational perspective, implementing a Graduate Quantity Surveyor scheme offers several advantages. Firstly, it enables organisations to attract top talent. Graduate Quantity Surveyors often seek employers that provide structured development programs, as they value the opportunity to learn and grow within a supportive environment. By offering a well-designed Graduate Quantity Surveyor scheme, organisations can position themselves as attractive employers and increase their chances of recruiting highly capable Graduate Quantity Surveyors.

Moreover, a Graduate Quantity Surveyor scheme allows organisations to mould and develop Graduate Quantity Surveyors according to their specific needs and culture. By investing in the training and development of Graduate Quantity Surveyors, organisations can shape them into competent professionals who align with the company's values and objectives. This contributes to building a skilled and motivated workforce that can drive innovation and propel the organisation forward.

Additionally, a Graduate Quantity Surveyor scheme can serve as a pipeline for future Quantity Surveying talent within the organisation. By identifying and nurturing promising Graduate Quantity Surveyors, organisations can develop a pool of high-potential individuals who can fill key roles as they progress in their careers. This succession planning ensures a smooth transition of leadership and minimises the impact of talent gaps within the organisation.

In conclusion, a Graduate Quantity Surveyor scheme plays a vital role in the professional growth of Graduate Quantity Surveyors and the success of organisations. It offers graduates a platform to apply their knowledge, gain practical skills and build a network of contacts. For organisations, it is an effective strategy for attracting and developing top talent while aligning them with the company's values and goals. By recognising the importance of a Graduate Quantity Surveyor scheme and investing in such programs, both Graduate Quantity Surveyors and organisations can reap the benefits of a mutually beneficial partnership.

What sectors do we recruit Graduate Quantity Surveyor candidates for?

We supply Graduate Quantity Surveyor talent across the global Construction, Civil Engineering, Rail, Power and Telecoms sectors and across all of these key sectors we have a strong reputation for offering a quality service for both candidates and clients.

Find out more information about the specific sectors we operate in, including the types of projects;


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