Surveying Apprentice

You’re at the heart of Army building projects. Once trained, you work on sites all over the world and get to build your qualifications too.

Everything you need to know about the role, requirements and what you’ll gain.

You can join between the ages of 16 – 36. At the time of your application you will need to be between 15 years & 7 months old and
35 years & 6 months old.

You can start your training as a Junior Soldier at the Army Foundation College from the age of 16 years and 6 months.

GCSE Grade A–C/9-5 or Scottish National 5 grade A-C, in Maths and

GCSE Grade A–C/9-4, or Scottish National 5 grade A-C, in English Language and one other subject

Unsure about any requirements? Our recruitment team is here to help.

In the Army, we have all kinds of building projects – new bases, runways and more. As a Surveyor, you’ll use the latest technology to map out the construction site and create designs before building work starts. You make sure that everything is set out correctly and that the structure is the same as the plans. It's a responsible job that calls for pinpoint accuracy – so you’ll get first-class training.

You learn about technical drawing, surveying, IT and more. With this knowledge plus a good eye for detail, you’ll travel the world, working on all sorts of projects and making great mates.
Surveyor is a Specialist role in the Royal Engineers. All the Royal Engineer soldier job roles are divided into 5 groups. When you apply to the Engineers, you will apply to the trade group rather than the specific trade.

Corps of Royal Engineers 7.59K subscribers

Become a competent land and hydro-graphic surveyor

Qualify as a surveyor

Work with the latest computing and IT equipment

Study civil and site engineering

Work on military projects all over the world

Step 1
Your initial military training teaches you how to be a soldier, covering everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle.

If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do basic military training (short) course at Harrogate .

If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the regular adult basic training .

Step 2
Then it’s off to the Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment near Camberley for 12 weeks. Here, you learn military engineering skills such as knots and lashings, demolition, mine warfare and bridge building. Finally, you go the Royal School of Military Engineering in Chatham for 27 weeks. Here, you learn to produce survey plans and set out lines and levels.

You'll earn £27,282 a year from the start of your training, which will go up as you progress throughout your career.

Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Survey (Military Engineering)

From application to training, you can expect a timeline of around 3-6 months.

Timelines can vary based on individual circumstances.

1. 1-2 days

Complete your application form online. You'll need details about your education, work history, and why you want to join the Army.

2. 1 - 2 weeks

Meet with an Army Recruiter who will discuss your application, answer questions, and guide you through the next steps.

Next you'll have your medical records checked. This could take some time as it's a really important step to make sure it's safe for you to join.

4. 1-3 months

Attend a 2-day residential assessment where you'll complete fitness tests, cognitive assessments, medical examinations, and team exercises.

5. 3 - 5 months

Background and security checks are conducted. This can take longer depending on your personal circumstances and history.

Find out more about what it's like to be a Survdyor in the Royal Engineers

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