A new report from Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland on employment opportunities and future skills needs in Ireland's surveying profession has projected a significant shortage of qualified surveyors over the coming years, despite a substantial increase in student enrolment across surveying programmes nationwide.
The report, Employment Outlook for the Surveying Profession 2026–2029, examines future demand and supply across the three principal surveying pathways – construction, land and property. Drawing on survey responses from member practices, the research assessed anticipated workforce requirements under a range of economic growth scenarios and compared projected demand with the expected supply of newly qualified professionals entering the sector.
The findings reveal that at a median annual GNI* growth rate of 2.5%, Ireland could face a shortage of more than 2,200 surveying professionals by 2029. Under a more optimistic growth scenario, the shortfall could exceed 3,000 surveyors, highlighting the continued strength of demand across the profession.
The report notes that demand is being driven by activity throughout the built environment, particularly in residential development and productive infrastructure projects. While significant progress has been made in expanding educational capacity, workforce supply continues to lag behind anticipated demand.
Student enrolment in surveying programmes has increased considerably since the first report in the series was published in 2014. Supported by new educational pathways, including part-time, apprenticeship and conversion programmes, enrolment now stands at 2,382 students nationwide. However, the research suggests that these measures alone will not be sufficient to eliminate the projected skills gap.
A key concern identified by the study is the shortage of experienced professionals, particularly those with more than six years' experience. Researchers attribute this challenge to legacy skills gaps resulting from the economic downturn between 2008 and 2013, which reduced recruitment and training opportunities across the sector. The report highlights the need for targeted workforce development initiatives to support the progression of existing staff into senior and leadership positions.
The research also confirms strong demand for graduate surveyors. As experienced professionals advance into higher-level roles, additional opportunities are expected to emerge for newly qualified entrants, creating continued demand across all levels of the profession.
Beyond technical expertise, employers identified communication, leadership, interpersonal and critical-thinking abilities as the most important skills required by future surveyors. Respondents emphasised the need to strengthen these transversal skills during third-level education and through increased workplace interaction and mentoring.
The report also highlights the growing importance of digital capabilities as technological change continues to reshape professional practice. Skills in data-driven surveying, Building Information Modelling (BIM), drone technology, sensor-based measurement and digital analysis are increasingly valued across the profession. The findings indicate that tailored professional development will be required to support digital upskilling at different career stages.
For the first time, the research also examined awareness of surveying careers among Career Guidance Counsellors and Senior Cycle secondary school students. While guidance counsellors reported a moderate understanding of the profession, they identified a need for additional resources and promotional materials to support career advice. Student awareness was found to be lower, suggesting that further outreach and engagement with schools will be necessary to attract future talent into the sector.
The report concludes that addressing Ireland's surveying skills shortage will require a coordinated approach involving industry, education providers and professional bodies. Continued collaboration, targeted skills development and enhanced promotion of surveying careers will be essential to meeting future workforce needs and supporting the continued growth of the built environment sector.
The findings also underline the importance of connecting employers with the next generation of construction and surveying professionals. Opportunities for students, graduates, career changers and experienced professionals to engage directly with employers will play a key role in addressing future workforce needs.
Construction Jobs Expo 2026 will provide an ideal platform for this engagement, bringing together leading employers, professional bodies, education providers and jobseekers from across the built environment sector. The event takes place on Saturday, October 17th, from 11am, offering attendees the chance to explore career opportunities, network with industry leaders and learn more about the pathways available within surveying, construction and related professions.
