Quantity surveying cadetships are a form of combined education and employment where employers provide paid on the job training while allowing time off to attend university or TAFE. Quantity surveying cadetships usually include:

• One or two days away from work a week while the cadet attends classes at an AIQS accredited university course. Some employers might allow similar time for attending AIQS approved technician level courses at TAFE; and
• The cadet working in the employer’s office and on-site for the balance of a full-time workload, including receiving valuable on-the-job training that complements their studies.

Cadetships usually continue until successful completion of the course, which is generally 3 or 4 years.

What are cadets paid?

Since the needs of individual employers, cadets and courses are different agreements about working conditions, including pay, during cadetships also vary.

Some employers pay cadets more but do not help with study related costs like HECS, other university fees and textbooks. Others pay these study related costs but offer lower salaries. Cadets who prove themselves on-the-job and do well in their studies can expect pay increments each year as their value to their employer increases.

It is important to consider the entire package when deciding the relative merits of different arrangements.

What next?

After graduation cadets will usually receive a pay increase to the level received by graduate quantity surveyors or maybe even higher given their on-the-job experience. Over the next two years graduates are expected to satisfy the AIQS’ probation requirements. After completing probation graduates can become professional members of the AIQS and expect further pay increases.

Want to know more?

Each year the AIQS publishes a list of firms that plan to recruit cadets. Other information about quantity surveying, including some information about salaries, can also be found on our website. If you still have questions email education@aiqs.com.au  or phone the AIQS National Office on 02 6282 2222.

Quantity Surveying Cadetships Vacancy List

  download QS Cadetship Vacancies 2008 91KB