Dominic comes from a family with deep roots in construction. His granddad was a traditional builder and his dad worked in architecture and project management. When Dominic discovered quantity surveying, he knew it was the area he wanted to pursue, but he wasn't sure about committing straight away to a three-year full-time degree. The HNC in Construction at the University of Salford gave him a way in that kept his options open.
Dominic, Construction at University of Salford
Story Video
Background
Goal
The HNC is equivalent to the first year of a degree, with the option to progress onto the second year. It is split into six modules covering the main areas of construction, including quantity surveying and building surveying, so students get a grounding in the whole industry before they specialise. Once they finish, they can carry on towards a full degree or apply for a degree apprenticeship.
For students who, like Dominic, want to specialise in the cost side of construction, the University of Salford also offers a Quantity Surveying CertHE. It covers the stages of design, contracts, procurement and tendering, cost control, and preparing pricing documents such as bills of quantities, with digital skills built in using industry-standard software. Assessment is based on live projects and real built-environment scenarios, through coursework, group projects, exams and presentations.
Journey
Quantity surveying has become Dominic's favourite part of the course. Students work with up-to-date pricing data for building materials, the same kind of information used in industry, so what they learn in the classroom translates directly to the workplace. Dominic sees the course as an opening into every part of construction, and he points out that construction skills are always in demand.
Outcome
Dominic's goal is to be a qualified quantity surveyor within five years. With the HNC behind him, he can choose between progressing on to a full degree or moving into a degree apprenticeship and earning while he studies. For anyone considering a career in construction, he recommends taking the step.
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