The surveying profession continues to face significant and widening skills shortages, with nine in 10 surveyors reporting that their area of work is being affected, according to a first-of-its-kind surveying skills report published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Nearly a third of respondents to a survey undertaken by RICS described the shortfall as “critical,” warning that it is severely impacting project delivery and productivity. A further two-thirds described the shortage as “moderate”, but cautioned that it could worsen without immediate intervention.
Two-thirds of surveyors cited an ageing workforce and high retirement rates as key causes, noting that new entrants are not arriving fast enough to replace retirees, and more than half of respondents said the shortage is reducing work capacity and output. The most acute shortages were reported in building surveying and quantity surveying.
Nick Maclean, acting president of RICS, said: “The results speak for themselves – there is an enormous demand for surveyors, and the profession is swiftly advancing with the pace of technological change. These are immense opportunities for both a new generation of surveyors and for existing professionals to upskill across the exciting landscape of technological change. Closing the skills gap is a crucial part of delivering the 1.5 million new homes target, as well as the essential infrastructure improvements that the government has committed to in its 10-year strategy. RICS continues to listen and act on the advice of its members, leading the profession into the future.”
Next week, RICS and BE News are organising a Skills Gap Spotlight + Hackathon, which will discuss how the built environment industry can address the skills gap issue. To find out more about the event click here.
