Port management

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

• building services engineering
• surveying
• construction management
• facilities management

You could do a qualification by distance learning through the University College of Estate Management.

You can also complete courses full time or part time. Flexible study may be an option if you're already working in the industry.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

Apprenticeship

You may be able to take an advanced apprenticeship as a facilities supervisor or a higher apprenticeship as a facilities manager. You could do this while working in an estates office.

It will usually take 18 to 24 months to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Direct application

You could apply directly if you've got experience and qualifications in a related career like property management, building health and safety or surveying.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• Learning to drive can be useful, particularly if you're working in the countryside or across several sites.

More information

Career tips

This job can vary depending on where you work. As an example, working in local authority or NHS buildings may be different to working in a charity, with a conservation group or on heritage sites.

Further information

You can find out more about training and working in estate management through the Chartered Institute of Building and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

View all vacancies in this region

With experience, you may be able to become a manager or specialise in a particular department or area, for example:rural estates; charities or housing associations; heritage or conservation sites

You may be able to take short courses as part of your job that will help you develop specialist skills.

The public sector often hires private companies to complete their estate work. This means there may be opportunities to move between the private and the public sector.