Quantity Surveying Apprenticeships

With Quantity Surveying on the critical skills list in Ireland, demand for graduate Quantity Surveyors from Employers is high. For this reason, the Quantity Surveying Consortium was formed to develop formal qualifications in this space by way of apprenticeship and thus increase the uptake of Quantity Surveying as a profession. 

Launched in 2026, this innovative programme creates an alternative learning experience for students wishing to attain a Quantity Surveying qualification in Ireland.  

This apprenticeship offers a level 8 qualification. Apprentices attend online lectures one day per week (fixed day each semester) and four days per week in the workplace, gaining invaluable experience and applying the theory learned during online lectures to live active projects. This method of learning gives students an advantage over traditional full-time learning, whereby the theory of learning can be applied immediately. 

Apprentices must be in full time approved employment prior to commencement of the apprenticeship.  Information about this apprenticeship is also available via the Generation Apprenticeship website here.

Apprentices will be assessed through a blend of coursework and final examination. Each year the student will complete an industry-related study. This will take the form of a short report. As the apprentice progresses from first to fourth year, the level of critical review will increase. In the first year, the report will be descriptive in nature. Reports will detail the learning gained by the student, lessons learned and alignment with the competencies of SCSI. This report will be reviewed and graded by the industry mentor and should include a lessons learnt section.

Step 1: Expression of Interest 

Register your interest officially with the National Apprenticeship Office  (https://www.apprenticeshiponline.ie/) 

Step 2: Employer Briefing Session 

Contact apprenticeship@scsi.ie to book into the next new employer briefing session – 14 June 2026, at 1pm.  

Step 3: Consortium Engagement with Employer 

Employer assessment begins with a visit from the Consortium team of SCSI & ATU 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. 

Step 4: Authorised Officer Engagement with Employer 

Complete the application form and submit requested documentation to the SCSI. 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. 

 The Employer will receive a suitability site visit from your local ETB SOLAS Authorised Officer. This is typically carried out and completed within 1-2 weeks of registration.  

Step 5: Outcome and Hiring 

The consortium will communicate the outcome to the employer and on approval, the employer will be authorised to register potential apprentice(s). Once approved you can advertise your apprenticeship vacancies on apprenticeship.ie and the SCSI Job page. Approved employers can recruit 2 apprentices.  

Step 6: Approving your Apprentice 

Your apprentice should submit an application to apprenticeship@scsi.ie consisting of; 

• An up-to-date CV,  

• Evidence of academic history clearly showing that they meet the entry criteria. Please note, if you are a leaving certificate student then you will be required to submit your results once they become available.  

• A letter of employment outlining their apprenticeship role with you.   

Once SCSI has received the application the apprentice has been approved and met the entry requirement. The employer will receive confirmation from the SCSI that the candidate has been approved for the programme and has met the entry requirements. You can then begin to onboard your apprentice.  

Apprenticeships are on a first come first serve basis, each approved employer can take on two apprentices. They need to register with the NAO as soon as they receive their offer and submit their application as outlined in step 5.  

To learn more about the apprenticeship programme breakdown and structure please visit the ATU Sligo Quantity Surveyor Practitioner Apprenticeship webpage; https://www.atu.ie/courses/bachelor-of-science-honours-quantity-surveying-apprenticeship 

You can view the employer handbook here; Quantity Surveying Apprenticeship Employer Handbook

You can view the programme handbook here; Quantity Surveying Apprenticeship Programme Handbook 

If you would like to speak to one of the SCSI Education Team, please contact us at apprenticeship@scsi.ie with your details to arrange a call back.  

Approved employers can take on a maximum of two apprentices. Apprenticeships are on a first come first serve basis. Places will not be reserved for apprentices.

As an employer you should ensure that: 

• you have identified suitable employees to act as mentors to the apprentices. Mentors will be provided with training. 

• appointed mentors hold either SCSI Associate or Chartered Membership or a Level 8 qualification in a cognitive discipline with at least two years postgraduate experience in a QS-based role. 

• you are able to release the apprentice for academic training as required. 

• you can give the apprentice access to relevant systems and processes to support their learning. 

• you are familiar with the Apprenticeship Code of Practice and that a copy is also provided to all mentors and apprentices. This Code of Practice is intended to assist both employers and apprentices to understand their duties and responsibilities. Apprentices and employers must accept this Code of Practice as part of the employer approval and apprentice registration processes. 

Once approved, employers will be able to login to the Employer Portal at apprenticeship.ie to advertise vacancies. Marketing materials and support will be provided by the Consortium team to approved employers. Employers can also advertise apprenticeships on the SCSI website free of charge. 

Apprentices are paid a full-time salary by their employer. Employers are required to cover fulltime employment costs of the apprentice including the day release for off-the-job training during the academic semesters. 

An annual student registration charge of €1500 per year pre apprentice is required. This can be paid by the apprentice or the employer on their behalf. 

SCSI and ATU do not prescribe or provide guidance on rates of pay. Responsibility for determining the remuneration of apprentices rests solely with the employer. If you would like to learn more about salary ranges for Surveyors in Ireland, please contact apprenticeship@scsi.ie for a copy of our 2025 Remuneration Report. If you are a member, you can view the report here once logged in; Remuneration Report 2025 – Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland