Building Surveyor Review
at Savills
Degree Apprenticeship
Property Management
London
Review Submitted: February 2025
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
As an apprentice building surveyor, my role involves assisting senior surveyors with site inspections, defect diagnosis, dilapidations, and schedules of condition. Day-to-day tasks include surveying buildings, taking measurements, preparing reports, liaising with clients and contractors, and learning about building pathology and regulations.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy my programme as it provides a good balance of practical experience and technical learning. I like being able to visit different buildings, assess their condition, and apply what I learn in real-world situations. Working with senior surveyors has been valuable in developing my knowledge and skills.
There are challenges, such as managing detailed reports and understanding complex building issues, but these help me improve. Overall, I find the programme rewarding, especially as I gain confidence and see my progress in the field.
There are challenges, such as managing detailed reports and understanding complex building issues, but these help me improve. Overall, I find the programme rewarding, especially as I gain confidence and see my progress in the field.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, I have developed several skills during my apprenticeship. My email writing has improved, particularly in structuring clear and professional correspondence. I have also enhanced my report writing, ensuring my schedules of condition and dilapidation reports are concise and well-documented.
Additionally, I have gained confidence in giving client advice, especially on lease obligations and building maintenance. My understanding of building surveying principles, such as defect diagnosis and building regulations, has also improved through hands-on experience and guidance from senior surveyors.
Additionally, I have gained confidence in giving client advice, especially on lease obligations and building maintenance. My understanding of building surveying principles, such as defect diagnosis and building regulations, has also improved through hands-on experience and guidance from senior surveyors.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
My programme is well-structured, with a mix of practical experience, on-the-job learning, and academic studies. There is a clear progression path, allowing me to develop my skills gradually while gaining exposure to different aspects of building surveying.
Flexible working is a key benefit, as it allows me to balance site visits, office work, and study time effectively. While some days can be unpredictable due to site inspections or urgent client requests, the overall structure ensures I am gaining the right experience to support my development.
Flexible working is a key benefit, as it allows me to balance site visits, office work, and study time effectively. While some days can be unpredictable due to site inspections or urgent client requests, the overall structure ensures I am gaining the right experience to support my development.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a lot of support from my employer. Senior surveyors are always willing to offer guidance, whether it’s helping with reports, explaining complex building issues, or giving career advice. There are regular check-ins to track my progress, and I have opportunities to ask questions and learn on the job.
The talent recruitment team also deserves credit for making the onboarding process smooth and ensuring I was placed in a role that aligns with my career goals. Their support from the start has helped me settle in well and make the most of my apprenticeship.
The talent recruitment team also deserves credit for making the onboarding process smooth and ensuring I was placed in a role that aligns with my career goals. Their support from the start has helped me settle in well and make the most of my apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive a good level of support from my training provider while working towards my qualifications. They offer structured learning through lectures, online resources, and workshops that help reinforce my understanding of key building surveying topics.
One-on-one support is also available, allowing me to ask specific questions and get tailored guidance on areas I find challenging. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions ensure I stay on track with my studies, and they provide useful advice on exam preparation and coursework.
One-on-one support is also available, allowing me to ask specific questions and get tailored guidance on areas I find challenging. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions ensure I stay on track with my studies, and they provide useful advice on exam preparation and coursework.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification through my training provider helps me perform better in my role by giving me a strong foundation in building surveying principles. The coursework and lectures cover key topics such as building pathology, construction technology, and property law, which I can apply directly to my work.
It also helps me develop essential skills like report writing and defect analysis, making it easier to understand and contribute to real projects. While hands-on experience is crucial, the qualification provides the technical knowledge that supports my learning on the job.
It also helps me develop essential skills like report writing and defect analysis, making it easier to understand and contribute to real projects. While hands-on experience is crucial, the qualification provides the technical knowledge that supports my learning on the job.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes, there are extra-curricular activities to get involved in at work. The company offers professional networking events, which are a great opportunity to meet others in the industry and learn from experienced professionals.
In addition, there are social activities and team-building events, which help build relationships with colleagues in a more relaxed environment. These events allow me to network, share experiences, and get involved in the company culture beyond day-to-day work. While there aren’t specific sports teams, the overall range of activities makes it easy to connect with others in different ways.
In addition, there are social activities and team-building events, which help build relationships with colleagues in a more relaxed environment. These events allow me to network, share experiences, and get involved in the company culture beyond day-to-day work. While there aren’t specific sports teams, the overall range of activities makes it easy to connect with others in different ways.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Savills to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend the business to a friend because it offers a supportive and structured environment for learning and career development. The team is approachable, and there is plenty of guidance from senior surveyors, making it a great place to grow professionally.
The flexibility in working hours also allows for a good work-life balance, and the company provides valuable networking opportunities, both professionally and socially. Overall, it's a positive and encouraging workplace that supports personal and career growth.
The flexibility in working hours also allows for a good work-life balance, and the company provides valuable networking opportunities, both professionally and socially. Overall, it's a positive and encouraging workplace that supports personal and career growth.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Savills?
My advice to others applying to the company would be to show a willingness to learn, as the role involves a lot of new information and skills that you'll pick up on the job. Having a genuine interest in building surveying and the industry will also help, as it’s important to stay motivated and passionate about your work.
Additionally, being a team player is key, as collaboration with colleagues and senior surveyors is essential for success. Showing enthusiasm and a positive attitude will make a big difference in standing out during the application process.
Additionally, being a team player is key, as collaboration with colleagues and senior surveyors is essential for success. Showing enthusiasm and a positive attitude will make a big difference in standing out during the application process.
