Quantity Surveyor Pathway

Quantity surveying is one of the most in-demand professions in the UK construction sector. With London experiencing record levels of development, the need for skilled QS professionals has never been greater.

What Does a Quantity Surveyor Do?

Quantity surveyors manage all costs relating to building and civil engineering projects — from the initial calculations to the final figures. They seek to minimise the costs of a project while ensuring that legal and quality standards are met.

Career Pathway

The typical QS career progression includes:

• Assistant QS — Entry-level role working under supervision, gaining site experience and learning measurement and valuation techniques.
• Quantity Surveyor — Managing cost plans, procurement, and contract administration on smaller projects or packages.
• Senior QS — Leading cost management on major projects, mentoring juniors, and managing client relationships.
• Commercial Manager / Director — Strategic oversight of commercial performance across multiple projects.

How S106 Obligations Help

Section 106 employment and skills obligations are creating new entry points into quantity surveying for local residents. Developers like Greystar at Pearl Yard are required to provide apprenticeship placements and work experience opportunities, many of which feed directly into QS career paths.

Through the Opportunity Platform, residents in Southwark and across London can access these pathways — from pre-employment training programmes that build foundational skills, to apprenticeships that lead to professional qualifications.

Getting Started

If you are interested in a career in quantity surveying, register on the Opportunity Platform to be matched with relevant training programmes, apprenticeships, and junior roles linked to developments in your borough.