Countrywide Surveying Services has qualified 35 new surveyors through its training academy this year as the profession faces growing concerns over an ageing workforce.
The property risk management, valuation and home surveys provider has added six newly qualified surveyors during the past month and has another 13 trainees currently working towards qualification.
Its recruitment drive comes as industry research suggests a significant proportion of experienced residential surveyors could leave the profession over the coming decade.
Skyline’s 2026 Survey of Surveyors found 46% of respondents do not expect to still be working in the profession in 10 years’ time.
AGEING WORKFORCE
The research also found 62% of surveyors responding to the study were aged over 50, while fewer than 16% were under 40.
Countrywide Surveying Services says the figures underline the importance of attracting new entrants while transferring the experience of established surveyors to the next generation.
The company has recruited trainees from other property-related careers including estate agency, lettings, domestic energy assessment and sales.
Five of its 13 current trainees are women, while almost a quarter of employees across its field surveying and management team are female.
NEXT GENERATION
Matthew Cumber, Managing Director at Countrywide Surveying Services, says: “Bringing new people into the surveying sector is vital, but the bigger challenge is creating a profession in which they can develop, progress and build long-term careers.
“As experienced surveyors begin to leave the industry, there’s an opportunity to pass on the knowledge and professional judgement they have built over many years. That experience is difficult to replace and ensuring it is shared with the next generation should be a priority across the sector.
“At the same time, the role of the surveyor continues to change as technology, data and a broader range of property risks become part of everyday decision-making.
“Ultimately, the strength of the profession will depend not only on how many people we attract into surveying, but on how well we equip them to become its experienced professionals of tomorrow.”
