RICS Surveying Skills Report 2025: Navigating the Critical Surveying Skills Shortage in the UK Built Environment
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From Construction Assistant to Quantity Surveyor: A Career Transformation Success Story
How a specialist construction recruitment helped one professional secure a promotion and salary increase in the construction industry.
Career Progression in Construction: More Than Just a Quantity Surveyor Job Change
The construction industry offers numerous pathways for professional growth, particularly for those working in quantity surveyor jobs and related construction careers. Recently, one of our candidates secured a new quantity surveyor job and achieved something far beyond their initial expectations.
Candidate Testimonial: Quantity Surveyor Assistant to Quantity Surveyor Career Change
What started as a search for an assistant-level quantity surveyor position became a promotion! Our candidate approached us seeking opportunities in construction recruitment, but with the expert guidance of our specialist recruitment consultant Olivia, they achieved:
- A promotion from Assistant QS to Quantity Surveyor
- A significant salary increase
- Comprehensive support throughout the entire process
- Professional development opportunities in the construction sector
- The power of market leading Construction Recruitment Services
This success story highlights the importance of working with construction recruitment specialists who understand the industry inside and out. Our candidate’s testimonial speaks volumes about the value of professional and consultative recruitment:
“Olivia was highly professional throughout my experience in attaining a new position.
Extremely friendly and helpful in understanding my then current predicament, and how she could best help. The process of moving jobs is highly stressful but was made much easier and more comfortable due to Olivia’s communication throughout the process, I was informed at each step of the process of how things were progressing. She also went out of her way to ring me on evenings and weekends as I was anxious to know whether I had secured the job. She has gone above and beyond to secure me the role and has since followed up to see how I am doing.
I’m extremely happy and have no complaints with my new role. She was able to get me the pay rise I was looking for, and a promotion in the process, as I was looking for an assistant position and was upgraded to QS.”
What Makes Atkins Search Different in Construction Careers
At Atkins Search, our approach to quantity surveyor recruitment and broader construction careers is built on five core principles:
- Professional Excellence: We maintain the highest standards in all our recruitment processes, ensuring both candidates and clients receive expert service.
- Consultative Approach: We take time to understand career aspirations and provide strategic guidance for career progression in construction.
- Industry Specialisation: Our deep knowledge of quantity surveyor jobs, construction roles and industry requirements enable us to identify opportunities that others might miss.
- Ethical Standards: We operate with integrity and transparency, to build long-term relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
- Team Collaboration: Every success is a team effort, combining individual expertise with collective knowledge and support.
Career Development in Quantity Surveying: Key Opportunities
The quantity surveyor career path offers excellent progression opportunities within the construction industry. From assistant roles to senior positions, professionals can expect:
- Competitive salaries with regular progression opportunities
- Diverse project involvement across residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors
- Professional development through continuous learning and industry certifications
- Job security in a sector with ongoing demand for skilled professionals
- Varied work environments from office-based cost management to site-based project oversight
For a comprehensive breakdown of salary bandings and benefit packages across various construction roles, including Quantity Surveyor jobs, and regions in the UK construction industry – click here for your free copy of our Salary Bandings Document.
Why Choose Specialist Construction Recruitment?
Working with specialist construction recruiters like Atkins Search provides several advantages:
- Industry Expertise: Our recruiters understand the nuances of construction careers, from technical requirements to company cultures within the sector.
- Market Knowledge: We have comprehensive insight into salary benchmarks, career progression paths, and emerging opportunities in quantity surveyor jobs.
- Network Access: Our extensive network includes leading construction companies actively seeking talented professionals for immediate and future opportunities.
- Ongoing Support: From initial consultation through to post-placement follow-up, we provide continuous support to ensure successful career transitions.
Looking for Your Next Career Move in Construction?
Whether you’re seeking quantity surveyor jobs, exploring construction recruitment opportunities, or planning your next career progression step, Atkins Search is here to help. Our proven track record of transforming careers and creating win-win situations for both candidates and employers makes us the ideal recruitment partner for your professional journey.
Ready to Transform Your Construction Career?
If you’re ready to take the next step in your construction career, particularly in quantity surveyor roles, we’d love to hear from you. Our team of specialist recruitment consultants are ready to provide the same level of professional, consultative service that helped our recent candidate achieve their career transformation.
Contact Atkins Search today and discover how we can help accelerate your career progression in the construction industry, we will be in contact within 48 hours of your form submission.
Find your next Quantity Surveyor job today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Quantity Surveyor Careers
What qualifications do I need to become a quantity surveyor?
Most quantity surveyor jobs require a degree in quantity surveying, construction management or a related field. Many professionals also pursue RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) chartership for career advancement. However, some employers will consider candidates with relevant experience and HNC/HND qualifications, particularly for assistant roles.
What is the average salary for quantity surveyors in the UK?
Quantity surveyor salaries vary significantly based on experience and location. Graduate positions typically start around £22,000-£28,000, whilst experienced quantity surveyors can earn £40,000-£65,000+. Senior QS roles and those in London often command higher salaries, with some reaching £80,000+. For a comprehensive breakdown of salary bandings across various roles and regions in the UK construction industry, click here for your free copy of our Salary Bandings Document.
Is there good career progression in quantity surveying?
Absolutely. Career progression in construction and quantity surveying offers excellent opportunities. The typical path progresses from Assistant QS to Quantity Surveyor, Senior QS, Principal QS and potentially Commercial Manager or Director level. Many professionals also move into consultancy or start their own practices.
What does a quantity surveyor actually do day-to-day?
Quantity surveyors manage the financial and contractual aspects of construction projects. Daily tasks include preparing cost estimates, managing budgets, negotiating with contractors, conducting site visits, preparing valuations, and ensuring projects stay within financial parameters whilst maintaining quality standards.
How long does it take to become a chartered quantity surveyor?
After completing your degree, it typically takes 2-4 years of structured training to achieve RICS chartership, depending on your route and employer support. Many construction recruitment agencies, including Atkins Search, work with employers who offer excellent chartership training programmes.
Are quantity surveyor jobs in high demand?
Yes, there's strong demand for skilled quantity surveyors across the UK. The construction industry consistently requires cost management expertise, and with ongoing infrastructure projects and housing developments, quantity surveyor careers remain highly secure with excellent long-term prospects.
What types of projects do quantity surveyors work on?
Quantity surveyors work across diverse sectors including residential developments, commercial buildings, infrastructure projects (roads, railways, airports), healthcare facilities, educational buildings and industrial projects. This variety keeps the role interesting and provides broad experience opportunities
Can I move into quantity surveying from another construction role?
Yes, many successful quantity surveyors have transitioned from other construction roles such as site management, engineering or administrative positions. Relevant experience combined with additional qualifications can provide an excellent foundation for career change into quantity surveying.
