RICS and CSTT Launch Associate Apprenticeship Partnership
PRESS RELEASE
17th May 2011
As part of its commitment to Fairer Access to the Professions, RICS is working in partnership with the Chartered Surveyors Training Trust (CSTT) to offer an apprenticeship scheme to 16-24 year olds which will count towards RICS Associate membership. CSTT is an independent charity which provides support to young people who face barriers to embarking on a potential career in surveying.
The apprenticeship scheme will run over a period of two years, during which time each apprentice is employed on a salaried basis within a surveying firm or similar organisation. The Associate Apprentice Scheme is government funded through the Skills Funding Agency (SFA). Although initially only available in England, it is hoped that the scheme will be rolled out across the UK.
The Associate Apprenticeship includes the following qualifications:
• NVQ3 Surveying, Property Maintenance (or future equivalent)
• Technical certificate in Surveying (or future equivalent)
Participating apprentices will be eligible for RICS Trainee membership and, upon completion of the apprenticeship and two years’ concurrent work experience, together with successful completion of the Associate Assessment, will qualify as an RICS Associate. Upon completion of the Associate qualification, there is also the opportunity for the apprentice to move on to a CSTT Managed Student Service studying part-time to achieve Chartered status.
Christina Hirst, Chief Executive of CSTT, commented: “The Associate apprenticeship offers a win win situation for both trainee surveyors and employers. For employers it gives the opportunity to harness cost effective new talent, whilst for young aspirant surveyors it provides the opportunity to start a surveying career without debt and learning whilst earning. In these days of ever increasing university fees, the apprenticeship is becoming a very attractive alternative way of entering the profession. We very much look forward to working in partnership with the RICS to provide what are, for many, absolutely life changing opportunities.”
Mark Goodwin, RICS Director of External Affairs, commented: “The Associate Apprenticeship Partnership will ensure opportunity for all, regardless of background. Fair access to the profession is vital for the future of the industry and this latest initiative demonstrates that RICS is at the forefront of opening the profession up to young people from all walks of life. In order to ensure the success of the scheme, we are seeking support from our members to employ Associate Apprentices. Any individuals or firms interested in participating in the scheme should contact the Chartered Surveyors Training Trust.”
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Notes to editors
Established in 1984, the Chartered Surveyors Training Trust (CSTT) has been creating opportunities for young people to start a career in surveying for over 25 years.
As an independent charity, CSTT supports young people from deprived areas, or who face a disadvantage to gaining employment as surveyors, to become qualified regardless of their academic, social or financial circumstances. Its programme of support runs from application to qualification.
CSTT’s training programmes are funded by the Skills Funding Agency, the Trust's employer partnerships, donations and grants.
CSTT currently supports 28 students from first year to the final sixth year, with 15 students still available to appoint for a work placement in a variety of disciplines. To register interest to take on a student please contact lizzie.cooke@cstt.org.uk.
CSTT is currently seeking ten key Employer Partners to help develop its charitable work and to develop initiatives that will provide further opportunities for young people to commence their surveying careers. Employer Partners are sought across the following disciplines: Quantity surveying and construction; building surveying; valuation; commercial property; and residential property. To find out more information about the partnership and the benefits offered please contact Christina Hirst on 020 7871 0454 or email christina.hirst@cstt.org.uk.
For further information, please contact:
(For CSTT)
Kate Titchmarsh, Revolution Public Relations Tel: 07595 673 610
(For RICS)
Ellie Irwin, RICS Press Office Tel: 020 7334 3736