Real Estate Degree Apprenticeships

What do you do on a real estate degree apprenticeship?

On a real estate degree apprenticeship, you'll split your time between university and workplace training. Lasting three to four years, you'll spend four days a week in the workplace and one day at university.

Property degree apprenticeships are split into Level 6 (Bachelor's) and Level 7 (Master’s) apprenticeships. There are different avenues you can take, too. Some types of degree apprenticeships in this sector include:

• Building surveyor

• Quantity surveyor

• Commercial real estate

• Project management

• Land buying and management

• Facilities management

• Architectural design

• Planning and development.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will vary depending on your role, but you might find yourself:

• Assisting with property valuations

• Helping to manage buildings and estates

• Supporting development projects

• Researching property market trends

• Contributing to sales and lettings.

By the time you’ve finished your apprenticeship, you’ll have a degree, up to six years’ worth of work experience and zero student debt.

What's a chartered apprenticeship in the world of real estate?

Wondering what people mean when they talk about becoming 'chartered'? It's a globally-recognised professional qualification that shows employers that you really know your stuff.

For real estate apprentices, you’ll take the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) pathway and work towards taking the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) at the end of your degree apprenticeship.

You can pursue a chartered apprenticeship in surveying and specialise in the following:

• Chartered building surveyor

• Chartered commercial property surveyor

• Chartered minerals surveyor

• Chartered planning and development surveyor

• Chartered project management surveyor

• Chartered quantity surveyor

• Chartered rural surveyor

• Chartered surveyor

• Chartered valuation surveyor.

During your degree apprenticeship you’ll become a RICS member, which will give you a truckload of benefits that include everything from industry insights and networking opportunities to discounts and career development.

Wondering what apprenticeship life is really like? Hear directly from degree apprentices about their day-to-day experiences in this industry:

“Prior to joining Savills I had a limited understanding of the planning system, I have now gained an in-depth understanding of the planning system. I have developed a wider range of skills, which consistently evolve, relating to; planning policy evaluation, development analysis , verbal and literal communication, time management and project management.” Town Planning Degree Apprentice, Savills

What are the entry requirements for a property degree apprenticeship?

For a degree apprenticeship, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old and have the following:

• Five GCSEs at grade 4-9 (A*-C), including maths and English

• Three A-Levels at grades AAB, or 

• Level 3-5 apprenticeship.

Always make sure to check the job description, as entry requirements can vary between employers. It also helps if you have genuine interest in the property sector.

How much do real estate degree apprentices earn?

Your paycheck as a degree apprentice in real estate will depend on who you work for, but you can start earning around £24,000 per year right from day one.

Since these apprenticeships run for up to six years, you'll see your salary grow each year as you level up your skills. Companies like Savills review what you earn annually and even throw in performance bonuses depending on how well you do.

You’ll get a whole bunch of benefits on top of your salary and holiday pay too. These can include:

• Free or discounted gym access

• Volunteer days

• Cycle to work schemes

• Company car

• Mentorship.

There’s so much potential to earn loads more once you fully qualify, too.

As a quantity surveyor, you could be earning over £70,000 per year as you gain experience. Interested in selling properties? Real estate agents typically make over £40,000 plus commission. If you end up selling luxury properties for top agencies in London, you could be looking at over £100,000 plus commission!

How can I apply?

If you’ve already found the perfect degree apprenticeship, great! You’ll need to work on preparing a stand-out apprenticeship CV that’ll highlight all the skills you've gained so far, as well as filling out an online application.

If those impress, you’ll be invited to an assessment centre for apprentices, that will be jam-packed with group tasks and a final interview.

PRO TIP: Employers usually let you know what’ll happen on the day. So you’ll have a lot of time to prepare.

Many property employers look for potential rather than specific experience, so don't worry if you're just starting out. Focus on showing your enthusiasm for the industry and a willingness to learn.

Check out all our application advice, where you'll find everything from creating a CV to acing your assessment centre and interviews. Click below to get started.