The minimum entry requirements for this programme are as follows:

  A primary honours degree (Level 8) in a built environment programme with a minimum award of 2.2.

  Have successfully completed a Post Graduate Diploma in a built environment programme.

  An appropriate professional built environment qualification (i.e. Chartered membership of the SCSI, EI, CIOB, etc.) and at least two years' relevant professional experience/responsibility.

  A primary honours degree (Level 8) with a minimum award of 2.2 and at least five years' relevant professional responsibility and experience within the built environment and/or ability evidenced by an RPL portfolio of prior experience and learning.

  Equivalent Qualifications: Applicants with equivalent qualifications on the European and International frameworks will also be considered.

  Special Case Registrations: Prospective participants who do not meet the entry requirements for the programme detailed above, but who may qualify for admission by meeting certain other equivalent criteria, should contact the consortium team for advice in the first instance. An interview may form part of the selection process for special case registrations.

• View the Advanced Quantity Surveyor Apprenticeship Handbook    for more details on training.

• View the Advanced Quantity Surveyor Occupational Profile    for more details on typical tasks, knowledge, skills, competencies, and industries served by this apprenticeship.  

Although computers are used for complex calculations, you will need a high standard of numeracy. Desk work includes report writing, which requires a clear, concise style.

Quantity surveyors need to be able to interpret technical drawings and architects' plans. They also need negotiating skills and initiative to make their own decisions. They must have good communication skills and be able to work as part of a team.   

They need a wide knowledge of construction law, health and safety issues, building methods and time scales, and the costs of materials.

This occupation is typically suited to people with the following Career Interests:

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way. 

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Quantity surveyors and construction economists, sometimes known as construction cost consultants, work for either the client or contractor and can be based in an office or on site.

Their role is to manage all costs relating to construction projects from initial design calculations to the final account, seeking to minimise costs and enhance value for money, while achieving the required standards and quality.

Typical tasks for a quantity surveyor or construction economist include:

• Researching and preparing construction budgets for a range of construction and construction-related projects
• Planning the costs of each phase of the project to ensure value for money and also sustainability in terms of the overall project
• Advising both contractors and state agencies on costing-related matters for various construction projects
• Advising on choosing contractors and procurement processes
• Administering the costs during the project for both contractor and other related parties, such as the client
• Negotiation and dispute resolution
• Taxation and funding advice

All aspects of the project need to be correctly costed and financially sustainable. If the costings are too restrictive, the project’s overall quality could suffer. If they are too generous, funds could be exhausted before the project is completed, so it’s a question of balance and being realistic about what can be achieved by analysing the timeframe in which it is expected that the project be completed and the available funding for the project. 

The quantity surveyor controls the cost by accurate measurement of work, combined with their expert knowledge of prices for work, labour, materials and plant required.  

 
Private practice and central and local government quantity surveyors are usually office based and work from a fixed location. They use architect's plans to make an initial estimate of the cost of a project. They then produce a more detailed breakdown of costs and quantities known as the Bill of Quantities. They send this to building contractors so they can work out their bids for the project. Finally, they assess the bids they receive so they, and their clients, can decide who will get the project. 
 
Local and central government quantity surveyors also control expenditure on ongoing programmes, making the best use of budgets and balancing maintenance against new construction work. They must make sure that all design decisions are made at the start of the project to ensure good value is obtained for money spent. There are two kinds of quantity surveyor : one who works on behalf of an organisation and one who works for a construction company.  
 
Commercial quantity surveyors are employed by building and civil engineering contractors. They prepare bids for construction work, and make sure that work is completed on time and to the required standard and that the contractor makes a profit. They assess the effect of any changes to the project or disruption in work and discuss it with the client's quantity surveyor. 
 
Commercial quantity surveyors are usually based on construction sites and may need to move around the country for projects.

After completing an apprenticeship, you may be offered full awards at Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

You can also choose to earn a partial qualification or take a short, specialised course to improve your skills in a specific area.

Depending on your skills, knowledge, and experience, some of the links below may be helpful to develop your career pathway.   

• Springboard & conversion courses      
• Skillnet Sector learning network courses    
• Local ETB Board    
• Further education training centres Fetchcourses
• Post graduate education Search Post Graduate options

 
Enterprise and Self-Employment Support:

If you feel you have the appropriate knowledge, skills, and experience after completing your apprenticeship, you may decide to set up your own business. 

The links below may be useful:

• Local Enterprise Offices     For profit Local enterprise support
• Local Area partnerships     For profit enterprise support
• Social entrepreneurs    Not-for-profit enterprise support 
• Franchising     Developing your business under an established franchise

To become an apprentice in Ireland you must first be hired by an employer.

Apprenticeship employers are formally approved by SOLAS     in advance of employing apprentices. Apprentices get a formal contract of employment as part of their apprenticeship. 

To find an apprenticeship, you can search apprenticeship vacancies and a list of currently approved apprentice employers on the Apprenticeship Jobs & Employers Portal    . You can search for vacancies by location and employer in each apprenticeship. 

Search Approved Employers by Region and by Apprenticeship type here    .

Your local Education and Training Board     may also hold details of employers seeking to employ an apprentice.

Full eligibility criteria for this apprenticeship are available in the Advanced Quantity Surveyor Apprenticeship Handbook    . 

This apprenticeship is managed by Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland    . If you are interested in advanced quantity apprenticeship you should make contact with SCSI at the contact details below.

James Lonergan
Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland
Tel: + 353 (0) 1644 5500
Email: [email protected]
Web:www.scsi.ie    

Steps for an Apprentice Employer 

1. Expression of Interest.
Employer submits an Expression Of Interest on www.apprenticeshiponline.ie     

2. Consortium Engagement with Employer
Employer assessment begins with a visit from the Consortium team of SCSI & TUS to provide information to you on the programme and to confirm that you can:

• recruit and support an apprentice by providing time and equipment necessary to support both on-the-job and off-the-job training.
• provide appropriate and sufficient on-the-job experience to align with programme outcomes.
• provide a suitably qualified mentor to support and guide the apprentice in the workplace.

3. Consortium Engagement with Authorised Officers
The consortium will submit paperwork to Solas Authorised Officers (AO’s) to confirm the completion of the actions outlined above with a recommendation on employer suitability.

4. Authorised Officer Engagement with Employer
The AO reviews the material submitted and arranges a site visit with the employer to assess their overall suitability.

5. Approval
The consortium will communicate the outcome to the employer and on approval, the employer will be authorised to register potential apprentice(s).

Finding an Employer

Finding an employer or registering your interest with an official Coordinating Provider is one of the first things you need to do to start an apprenticeship.

To find an apprenticeship and secure an apprenticeship work contract you can search apprenticeship vacancies on the Apprenticeship Jobs Portal . You can search for vacancies by location and by apprenticeship type.

Your local Education and Training Board may also hold details of employers seeking to employ an apprentice.

You should also directly connect with local employers who might be interested in taking on an apprentice. It is a great idea to get a part time job with a local employer who might be more inclined to take you on as an apprentice following a successful work experience placement or a part time job contract.

Further information about this apprenticeship may be available from the following organisations on this website:

Employers are required to cover full-time employment costs of the apprentice including the day release for off-the-job training during the academic semesters.

As an apprentice, you earn while you learn. The employer pays you a salary while you are being trained on-the-job and off-the-job. The rate of pay is agreed between you and your employer.

Fees
An annual student registration charge of €3300 per year pre apprentice is required.
This can be paid by the apprentice or the employer on their behalf.