Surveying Labour Market Trends: A Demand and Supply Analysis of the Quantity Surveying Profession in Ireland

The construction and property sectors in Ireland have undergone significant change over the past decade. From a period of sustained growth in output and employment to a recession returning to the current period of expansion. While the cyclical nature of the sector and consequential impact on the labour market is widely recognized, the impact on the quantity surveying profession specifically is comparatively less well evidenced. A widespread survey of employers was undertaken to ascertain recent employment trends and likely future demand for quantity surveyors. At the same time an analysis of current enrolments on surveying programmes across the country provided the required data to estimate the likely medium term supply of qualified quantity surveyors. The findings concluded that a significant shortage in qualified QS’s is predicted over the next three years, particularly at graduate level. An annual study of graduates from Ireland’s largest provider of third level surveying programmes provides the basis for detailed analysis of graduate employment trends over a three year period to 2015.