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Investing in the Future: Why Apprenticeships Matter in Surveying and the Built Environment
Across the commercial Real Estate and construction sectors, one question keeps coming up:
Who’s going to do these jobs in 5, 10, or 15 years?
With experienced Chartered Surveyors retiring and digital change reshaping the profession, it’s easy to feel uncertain about where the next generation of professionals will come from. At PRE, we’re not worried – we’re proactively doing something about it.
For us, the answer lies in apprenticeships and early-career development.
Why PRE Backs Apprenticeships
Over the past 15 years, we’ve helped 12 individuals qualify as Chartered Surveyors (MRICS), and we’re currently training three building surveying apprentices. While some firms have cut graduate programmes or outsourced junior work overseas, we’ve doubled down on training, mentoring and long-term investment in the UK.
Why? Because surveying is a people business. And if we don’t invest in people, we risk losing the skills, judgement and credibility that make our profession so valuable.
Meet the Next Generation
Starting out in surveying isn’t about watching from the sidelines – they’re about learning by doing. Here’s what that looks like at PRE:
Robert Brown
Graduate Building Surveyor | APC Candidate – Sitting in March 2026
Work focus: Commercial building surveys, dilapidations, contract administration, and pre-acquisition reports.
“I’ve been at PRE for 5 years now and learned more in 12 months at PRE than I ever expected through University. Being involved in real projects, on real buildings, with real clients – there’s no substitute for that. What I enjoy most is the mix of technical and client-facing work. Every building is different, and every brief is a new challenge. I’ve already been offered a full-time role post-APC, which shows how much PRE invests in people.”
Alan Wilson
Building Surveying Apprentice | Final Year of BSc – Graduating 2026 and APC MRICS in 2027
Work focus: Planned maintenance, measured surveys, project delivery, and compliance reporting.
“I chose the apprenticeship route because I wanted to learn by doing, not just sit in University lectures. At PRE, I’m working on live instructions, getting on-site experience, and learning from senior surveyors every day.
I was drawn to building and project management surveying because of the variety – you’re solving real problems, not just working on spreadsheets.”
Joshua Upson
Apprentice Building Surveyor | Year 2 of Degree Apprenticeship
Work focus: Measured surveys, CAD drawings, project admin, and contractor liaison.
“Now going into my second-year apprenticeship program, I’ve already gained invaluable on the job knowledge on real client projects and reports. The team at PRE is supportive, and they involve us in everything – not just the easy tasks.
I chose an apprenticeship because I wanted to earn, learn, and grow all at once. Being on site, working with clients, and understanding real buildings is what makes it click for me.”
The Long-Term Payoff
When we bring on an apprentice or graduate, we’re thinking in decades, not months.
- In 5 years, they’ll be managing projects and clients.
- In 10 years, they’ll be mentoring others and leading teams.
- In 15 years, they could be shaping the direction of the firm.
We don’t see early-career professionals as overheads – we see them as our greatest long-term asset.
Supporting Growth Beyond the Desk
We know young professionals want more than just a job. At PRE we offer:
- Flexible working patterns to support study and personal commitments
- A supportive team culture, with sports, socials and away days
- Encouragement to join RICS Matrics and Livery Lite, giving apprentices confidence and networks early in their career
Development happens both in and out of the office, and that’s why we make sure our team gets exposure to the full picture of professional life.
What About AI?
It’s an exciting time with AI transforming the property industry – from automated valuations to predictive maintenance. But AI is a tool, not a replacement for people.
You can’t outsource learning. You can’t replace the experience of walking a building, interpreting a crack, or advising a nervous client. Apprenticeships are still the best training ground for the surveyors of tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
The commercial property industry is changing fast. But one thing won’t change: we need great people.
That’s why we’re investing in apprenticeships. We’re mentoring the next generation. And we’re backing them every step of the way.
So, if you’re asking: Who’s going to do these jobs in the future?
It will be the people we’re supporting today.
> We’re investing in them.
> We’re mentoring them.
> We’re helping them build the skills our industry needs.
And we’re backing them all the way.
How is your business supporting the next generation of property professionals?
We would love to hear your approach, or if you have questions about how apprenticeships could work for your company, get in touch – we’re happy to share our learnings and experience.
