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Higher apprenticeship

Construction Quantity Surveying Technician

An investment in precision and project cost management expertise

An apprenticeship is a real, paid job. The apprentice works for an employer and trains with us at the same time, and comes out with a nationally recognised qualification and the experience to go with it.

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The short answer

30 months30 months (on programme) + 6 months for gateway
FeesAny fees for a 19+ learner, where the company is a non-Apprenticeship Levy payer will be paid by the company.
Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Quantity Surveying for EnglandAwarded by Pearson
Level 4Nationally recognised
Day releaseHow the taught part runs
Standard ST0049The official reference for this apprenticeship
Before they start

What an apprentice needs

Entry Requirements

We welcome applications from individuals with a passion for construction and a desire to build a career in quantity surveying or estimation.

Typical entry requirements include:

  • A minimum of 32 UCAS Tariff points
  • Achieved through one or more of the following:
    BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma, or Subsidiary Diploma
  • Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • One A Level in a relevant subject (e.g. maths, science, geography)

No Traditional Qualifications? We Still Want to Hear from You!

At UCDon, we’re committed to widening participation and creating pathways into education for people from all walks of life.

If you don’t meet the standard academic requirements but have relevant industry experience or have been out of formal education for some time, we’ll still consider your application.

Each application is reviewed individually, and we’ll provide advice and guidance to help you understand your options.

Key Information:

  • Minimum age: You must be 18 or over at the time of enrolment.
  • September intake:
  • Applicants under 21: Must have a minimum of 32 UCAS points to meet entry requirements. Not sure what your qualifications are worth? We can help you calculate your UCAS points.

Ready to start your journey into the world of Quantity Surveying? Apply now or get in touch for personalised guidance.

The employer sets the real bar, so treat this as a guide. If somebody is close but not quite there, it is still worth the conversation.

What they’ll learn

Construction Quantity Surveying Technicians work both on-site and in office environments, collaborating with senior managers and other professionals to manage costs and contracts effectively.

  1. They will assist with budgeting and cost control

    Supporting senior managers in creating accurate construction budgets, and monitoring and controlling costs throughout the life of a project.

    Covers Measurement & Estimating, Construction Economics & Sustainability

  2. They will report income and expenditure and value work completed

    Tracking and reporting income and expenditure, and assessing the value of work completed on-site.

    Covers Quantity Surveying Practice

  3. They will help select and manage specialist contractors

    Helping to select and manage specialist contractors.

    Covers Tender & Procurement

  4. They will assist with legal and contractual aspects

    Assisting with legal and contractual aspects of the build, and keeping detailed records to help resolve any disputes.

    Covers Law & Legal Frameworks in Quantity Surveying

  5. They will gain the skills to ensure projects meet industry standards

    Designed specifically for the UK construction industry, equipping apprentices with the skills to manage budgets, monitor progress and ensure compliance.

The programme

Level 4 · 8 units

Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Quantity Surveying for England

Delivery will be day release over two years and a half years

  1. Level 4

    Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Quantity Surveying for England.

    • Core mandatory units
    • Construction Design Project (Pearson-set)Unit 1
    • The Construction EnvironmentUnit 4
    • Measurement & EstimatingUnit 10
    • Tender & ProcurementUnit 12
    • Construction Economics & SustainabilityUnit 23
    • Quantity Surveying PracticeUnit 25
    • Digital Applications for Building Information ModellingUnit 26
    • Law & Legal Frameworks in Quantity SurveyingUnit 27
More about the programme

More Than Just a Job: A Well-Rounded Apprenticeship Experience

Our Construction Quantity Surveying Technician Apprenticeship doesn’t just develop technical skills: it’s built around a well-rounded learning journey to help you thrive in the workplace and beyond. The programme includes three integrated modules, designed to support your professional growth from day one:

Study Skills Module

Build a strong foundation for success with essential academic and professional skills.

This module covers:

  • Time management and organisation
  • Research and report writing
  • Communication and presentation techniques
  • Using digital tools for construction and learning

Whether you're returning to study or learning on the job for the first time, this module helps you develop the confidence and habits needed to succeed.

Apprenticeship Skills Module

Understand what it means to be a successful apprentice, and a valued employee.

This module includes:

  • Understanding the apprenticeship standard and End-Point Assessment
  • Professional behaviours and workplace expectations
  • Reflective practice and personal development planning
  • Embedding British Values, Safeguarding, and Prevent principles

You’ll learn how to manage your responsibilities, track your progress, and make the most of your apprenticeship experience.

Project Module

Put your learning into action with real-world projects aligned to your job role.

This module gives you the opportunity to:

  • Tackle practical construction-based tasks
  • Demonstrate cost management, planning, and communication skills
  • Build a professional portfolio that supports your End-Point Assessment
  • Work collaboratively while showing initiative and independent thinking

These projects help bridge the gap between learning and doing, making sure you're fully prepared for the demands of the industry.

A Smarter Way to Learn and Work

This modular approach ensures that every apprentice is equipped not only with technical know-how but also with the professional skills needed to grow, adapt, and stand out in a competitive industry.

Occasional changes to modules and course content may take place. Students will be notified when applicable.

About this apprenticeship

About

What Is a Construction Quantity Surveying Technician?

Construction Quantity Surveying Technicians play a crucial role in ensuring construction projects run efficiently, stay within budget, and meet legal and contractual requirements. They work both on-site and in office environments, collaborating with senior managers and other professionals to manage costs and contracts effectively.

Read more about this apprenticeship

Typical Job Titles Include:

  • Assistant Quantity Surveyor
  • Quantity Surveying Technician
  • Assistant Cost Engineer
  • Assistant Cost Analyst
  • Assistant Construction Surveyor

What Will You Be Doing?

As a Construction Quantity Surveying Technician, your day-to-day responsibilities might include:

  • Supporting senior managers in creating accurate construction budgets
  • Monitoring and controlling costs throughout the life of a project
  • Helping to select and manage specialist contractors
  • Keeping detailed records to help resolve any disputes
  • Tracking and reporting income and expenditure
  • Assessing the value of work completed on-site
  • Assisting with legal and contractual aspects of the build

Why Choose This Role?

If you enjoy working with numbers, solving problems, and being part of large-scale projects, this role offers a rewarding career path with strong progression opportunities. You’ll develop the skills needed to become a key player in the success of any construction project.

Benefits for the Employer

Build Cost Confidence into Your Team: Invest in a Quantity Surveying Apprentice

Looking to strengthen your project's financial performance and keep builds on track? Enrolling your apprentice on the Construction Quantity Surveying Technician (ST0049) standard is a smart investment in cost control, precision, and professional growth.

This programme is designed specifically for the UK construction industry, equipping apprentices with the skills to manage budgets, monitor progress, and ensure compliance from day one.

Grow your own expert in project cost management - one who understands both the numbers and the site - while shaping the future success of your business.

Benefits for the Apprentice

Shape the Future of Construction: Start Your Career as a Quantity Surveying Technician

Want to be at the heart of construction projects, making sure they stay on budget and run smoothly? The Construction Quantity Surveying Technician Apprenticeship (ST0049) is your pathway into a high-demand career where every day counts.

You'll learn how to manage costs, track progress, and ensure projects meet industry standards, earning while you learn, and gaining real-world experience that sets you apart.

Whether you are detail-driven, good with numbers, or just passionate about how things get built, this apprenticeship gives you the tools to build a future in construction that adds up.

Learning Approach

Study While You Work: The Best of Both Worlds

Our Construction Quantity Surveying Technician Apprenticeship offers a balanced blend of academic study and hands-on experience. Apprentices follow a day-release model over 2.5 years, combining classroom learning with real-world application on-site or in the office.

What You’ll Study

You’ll work towards achieving the Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Quantity Surveying for England, a nationally recognised qualification that provides the core technical knowledge and skills needed in the sector.

Delivered one day per week, this part of the programme covers key areas such as:

  • Construction technology and materials
  • Contract administration
  • Measurement techniques
  • Cost control and procurement
  • Construction information and building regulations

Study Commitment

Part-Time Attendance (one day per week for 2.5 years)

Qualification Awarded

Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Quantity Surveying for England

Next Steps

Contact EmployerTraining@DNColleges.ac.uk

Location

University Campus North Lincolnshire (UCNL)

Assessment

Nobody springs anything on anyone

1
End-point assessment

Online Knowledge Test

2
End-point assessment

Work-Based Project with Report and Presentation

3
End-point assessment

Professional Discussion (Supported by Portfolio)

More about the assessment

Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC in Quantity Surveying for England

The HNC is assessed through a series of coursework-based assignments. These are designed to test your understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of quantity surveying. Assessment methods typically include:

  • Written assignments and reports
  • Practical tasks and scenario-based problem solving
  • Project work
  • Presentations and group work
  • Technical drawings and cost plans
  • Each unit is graded as Pass, Merit, or Distinction, and you’ll complete a set number of core and specialist units over the 2.5-year programme.

End Point Assessment (EPA)

The EPA is the final stage of your apprenticeship and confirms that you’re fully competent in your role. It’s conducted by an independent End Point Assessment Organisation and includes three key components:

  • Online Knowledge Test

A multiple-choice test designed to assess your core knowledge of quantity surveying principles, processes, and regulations.

  • Typically includes 40 questions
  • Taken under exam conditions
  • Covers topics such as construction law, contract administration, cost control, and procurement
  • Must be passed before moving on to the next stages of the EPA
  • Work-Based Project with Report and Presentation

You’ll complete a real-world project related to your day-to-day responsibilities.

  • Submit a detailed written report
  • Deliver a professional presentation to showcase your findings, approach, and outcomes
  • Demonstrates your ability to apply knowledge and solve real problems in a construction setting
  • Professional Discussion (Supported by Portfolio)

A structured interview with an assessor, based on your portfolio of evidence built during the apprenticeship.

  • Reflects your development of Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs)
  • Allows you to discuss your contributions to projects, your decision-making, and how you’ve met the standard’s expectations

Grading

You must pass all three components to successfully complete the apprenticeship. Final grading is awarded as:

  • Pass
  • Distinction
Getting started

What it takes, on both sides

If you're the employer

  • A real role that covers the standard. Your Employer Relationship Officer will check it before anyone enrols.
  • Time released for teaching, on a timetable you'll have from day one.
  • Half an hour every 8 to 10 weeks for a three-way review.
  • Your say-so when the apprentice is ready for their final assessment.

If you want to be the apprentice

  • A job. An apprenticeship is employment, so you need an employer before you can start.
  • Already working in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
  • An initial skills scan with us, so we know where you're starting from.
  • No employer yet? That's the usual starting point, and finding one is the part we help with.
Where it leads

This is a step, not a destination

Successful completion of the apprentice can lead to progression onto Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Quantity Surveying for England. Or alternatively progression to a Degree Apprenticeship

Not sure what comes after this one? Tell us the role and we'll tell you honestly which of our apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships or university-level courses fits next.

How to start this apprenticeship

It takes two, an employer and an apprentice. Pick your side.

I'm an employer

Put someone on this programme

Recruiting, or formalising the training of someone already in post? Start with a conversation. We'll check the role, sort the funding, and get them enrolled.

Speak to us today 01724 281111 option 2

Or advertise a vacancy through us and we'll handle the recruitment.

I want to be an apprentice

You'll need an employer first

An apprenticeship is a job, so an employer has to take you on before you can start. Already employed in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.

No vacancy that suits? Register your interest and we'll tell you when one comes up.