Countrywide Surveying Services has reported a strong start to 2026 for its training academy with new qualifications, fresh trainee intakes and further recruitment aimed at strengthening the future supply of residential surveyors.
The firm says eleven trainees achieved their AssocRICS qualification at the end of February, including seven from Countrywide Surveying Services and four from Harvey, Donaldson & Gibson, as part of its structured training programme combining classroom learning with practical inspection experience.
The newly qualified surveyors joined the academy from a range of property-related roles, including estate agency and audit positions, bringing existing housing market knowledge into the profession at a time when the industry continues to face a shortage of qualified surveyors.
Countrywide said the programme continues to expand, with fourteen trainees who joined in November 2025 expected to qualify in May this year, while a further eight recruits started training in February. Recruitment has already begun for the next intake scheduled for May.
POSITIVE START
Sarah Chalmers-Stevens (main picture, inset), Associate Director of Learning and Development at Countrywide Surveying Services, says: “It has been a very positive start to the year for our training academy. Seeing eleven trainees achieve their AssocRICS qualification is a great result and reflects the effort they have put into the programme.
“We are also pleased to see the next cohorts progressing well and new trainees joining the business. Many individuals entering the academy already have valuable property sector experience, which we build on through structured training, mentoring and practical exposure to the role.”
IMPORTANT ROLE
Matthew Cumber, Managing Director at Countrywide Surveying Services, adds: “Developing new surveyors is essential for the long-term health of the profession.
“As the market becomes more complex, it is increasingly important that lenders and buyers can rely on well trained professionals providing accurate and consistent property assessments.
“Our training academy plays an important role in strengthening that pipeline of talent and ensuring the industry continues to benefit from skilled and confident surveyors.”
