Graduate Surveyor Review
at Savills
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Surveying
London
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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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:
4/5
I am currently on a 4-month rotational apprenticeship programme, where I move between different teams and gain experience in different areas of the business.
At the moment, I am in a Planning rotation. On a day-to-day basis, I support the team by looking at planning policies, helping with planning applications, and carrying out research for sites and projects. I also keep track of application progress and get involved in team discussions where I can.
At the moment, I am in a Planning rotation. On a day-to-day basis, I support the team by looking at planning policies, helping with planning applications, and carrying out research for sites and projects. I also keep track of application progress and get involved in team discussions where I can.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I have enjoyed working with different teams and building relationships across the business, and I value the exposure to a range of roles and responsibilities. The variety has helped me develop new skills and gain a better understanding of how the organisation operates as a whole.
However, there are some aspects that could be improved. The rotations can feel quite short, which makes it harder to fully settle into a role or see projects through. In addition, the salary is relatively low, and there is a requirement to stay with the company for two years after qualifying, which reduces flexibility.
However, there are some aspects that could be improved. The rotations can feel quite short, which makes it harder to fully settle into a role or see projects through. In addition, the salary is relatively low, and there is a requirement to stay with the company for two years after qualifying, which reduces flexibility.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed a range of new skills and built on existing ones throughout the programme. Working across different teams has helped me improve my communication and adaptability, as well as my ability to manage my time and prioritise tasks.
In my current Planning rotation, I have developed my understanding of planning policies and the application process, and improved my research and analytical skills. I have also become more confident contributing to team discussions and taking on responsibility in my day-to-day work.
In my current Planning rotation, I have developed my understanding of planning policies and the application process, and improved my research and analytical skills. I have also become more confident contributing to team discussions and taking on responsibility in my day-to-day work.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
I would say the programme is fairly well organised overall. The structure of rotating between different teams is clear and provides good exposure to different areas of the business.
However, at times the planning and coordination could be improved, particularly around how work, study, and additional commitments are scheduled alongside each other. This can sometimes make it more challenging to manage workloads effectively.
However, at times the planning and coordination could be improved, particularly around how work, study, and additional commitments are scheduled alongside each other. This can sometimes make it more challenging to manage workloads effectively.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I would say I receive a good level of support from my employer overall. There are clear efforts to support us, such as having Fridays allocated as a study day, which is helpful for managing university commitments.
However, there are occasionally some aspects that could be better planned. For example, there have been instances where training has been scheduled on study days during busy academic periods, which can make it more difficult to manage workload.
At times, balancing work and university commitments can be challenging, but I understand this is part of undertaking a master’s degree alongside full-time work.
However, there are occasionally some aspects that could be better planned. For example, there have been instances where training has been scheduled on study days during busy academic periods, which can make it more difficult to manage workload.
At times, balancing work and university commitments can be challenging, but I understand this is part of undertaking a master’s degree alongside full-time work.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I would say I receive a good level of support from my training provider overall. Despite the course being delivered online, we have regular contact with our supervisor, who is accessible and provides helpful guidance when needed.
However, some of the additional requirements, such as completing and submitting the off-the-job diary each month, can be quite time consuming alongside day-to-day work responsibilities.
Overall, the support is strong, but the administrative side of the course can feel quite demanding at times.
However, some of the additional requirements, such as completing and submitting the off-the-job diary each month, can be quite time consuming alongside day-to-day work responsibilities.
Overall, the support is strong, but the administrative side of the course can feel quite demanding at times.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I would say the qualification supports my role to an extent. It provides a useful theoretical background and helps build a broader understanding of the industry, which is beneficial in my day-to-day work.
However, some of the content does not always link closely to real-world practice, and there can be a gap between what is taught and what is applied in the workplace. The course also has a strong commercial focus, which is useful in some areas but not always directly relevant to my current role.
However, some of the content does not always link closely to real-world practice, and there can be a gap between what is taught and what is applied in the workplace. The course also has a strong commercial focus, which is useful in some areas but not always directly relevant to my current role.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There are extra-curricular activities available, including social events and networking opportunities. However, due to work and university commitments, I often find it difficult to make time to get involved.
Balancing a full-time role alongside a master’s degree means that I sometimes need to prioritise work and study, which can limit my ability to participate in these activities.
Balancing a full-time role alongside a master’s degree means that I sometimes need to prioritise work and study, which can limit my ability to participate in these activities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Savills to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend Savills, particularly for the breadth of experience the programme offers and the great people you meet along the way. The rotational structure provides good exposure to different teams and areas of the business, which is valuable early in a career.
However, the 4-month rotations can feel quite short, making it difficult to fully develop knowledge or take on significant responsibility within a team. I have found that longer or repeat rotations allow for a more meaningful contribution and a better overall experience.
In addition, the salary is at the lower end for graduate roles in London, which can be challenging given the cost of living. This may mean that some individuals need additional financial support or take on extra work alongside the programme.
However, the 4-month rotations can feel quite short, making it difficult to fully develop knowledge or take on significant responsibility within a team. I have found that longer or repeat rotations allow for a more meaningful contribution and a better overall experience.
In addition, the salary is at the lower end for graduate roles in London, which can be challenging given the cost of living. This may mean that some individuals need additional financial support or take on extra work alongside the programme.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Savills?
For anyone applying to Savills, I would recommend understanding the structure of the programme, particularly the rotations and the study commitment alongside work.
Be prepared to adapt quickly and be proactive in each team, as the rotations are relatively short. It’s also important to manage your time well to balance work and university requirements.
Be prepared to adapt quickly and be proactive in each team, as the rotations are relatively short. It’s also important to manage your time well to balance work and university requirements.
