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Apprenticeship

Construction Quantity Surveying Technician – Apprenticeship Standard ST0049

The person who knows what it is really costing

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 monthsPlus assessment
Fully funded for most employersSmaller employers pay nothing towards the training.
Level 4Nationally recognised
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 2025 intake: Enrolment starts week commencing.
  • 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

Monitoring and controlling costs and contracts on construction projects, based on site or in the office.

  1. They will help build and hold the budget

    Assisting senior managers with budgeting, then controlling costs while the project is running rather than reporting on them afterwards.

    Covers budgeting, cost control during a project

  2. They will track income, expenditure and progress

    Recording, controlling and reporting income and expenditure, and valuing progress on the project.

    Covers recording and reporting income and expenditure, valuation of progress

  3. They will keep records good enough to prevent an argument

    Contributing to the mitigation of disputes through accurate records. On a construction contract this is where the money is won or lost.

    Covers accurate record keeping, dispute mitigation

  4. They will handle specialist contractors and contract issues

    Selecting and managing specialist contractors, and assisting senior managers with legal and contractual matters.

    Covers selecting and managing specialist contractors, legal and contractual issues

Assessment

Nobody springs anything on anyone

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

1
Throughout

Coursework and portfolio

Work launched in class and completed in the job, building the evidence the assessor will look at.

2
Every 8 to 10 weeks

A review with you

The employer, the apprentice and the tutor. Half an hour. Progress, targets, and anything getting in the way.

3
Before the end

A full mock

Marked by a tutor who is not theirs, so the feedback is honest and the real thing holds no surprises.

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

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.