The CSS Training Academy has delivered 200+ surveyors into the industry over the past six years. Despite ongoing restrictions as a result of the pandemic, CSS continued its recruitment drive in 2020 with 20 trainees graduating over the course of year and a further 13 qualifying as AssocRICS in the early part of 2021. A further 13 people began their course in February of this year.

The latest intake of trainees come from a variety of backgrounds, with a number making the transition from roles within estate agencies through to one recruit with a commercial pilot’s license.

In the last couple of weeks they have been through an induction at Countrywide House in Milton Keynes and have been getting to know their mentor by shadowing them onsite to observe what the job involves. This week they will take part in Zoom lectures and workshops to show the theory behind the job, so that they can then put into practice what they’ve learnt daily whilst onsite with their mentors.

Matthew Cumber, managing director of Countrywide Surveying Services, said: “I am delighted to welcome our new recruits to Countrywide to help them begin their careers as Residential surveyors and our programme is designed to arm them with the necessary tools, mentorship and guidance to support them on their journey to becoming AssocRICS qualified.

“As a business, we are extremely proud of our Training Academy and remaining in such a strong position to attract and train the next generation of surveyors. Initiatives like this are vital to the sector. Without them, the industry will be left with a personnel shortage and an inability to service rising demand.

“Thankfully, we have established a commitment from the Group and Board to invest further in the recruitment process and this is an area which will remain an important focal point for us moving forward. I wish all our new recruits the best of luck in attaining their qualifications at the end of the year.”