Level 3 Surveying Technician Apprentice

When you join one of the largest teams of surveyors in the country, you will unlock a world of learning and development opportunities. You will be part of a dynamic and supportive community that champions the values of professionalism, integrity, respect and innovation. We are committed to providing a collaborative and supportive working environment that encourages every colleague to contribute, grow and excel together. With opportunities to drive your own development and growth, we empower our colleagues to succeed by ensuring support at every step of their career journey. At the VOA, we embrace different perspectives to tackle complex problems, promote innovation, and deliver stronger decision-making. Make a real impact and help shape the future with us!, We are looking for people with great potential, eager to start a new career with our fully funded Surveying Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship. An integrated programme of work and learning will be put in place to ensure you get the right mix and breadth of experience required to complete your apprenticeship. Don’t just take our word for it though. One of our current apprentices sums up the programme perfectly below.
“My apprenticeship is a step into a career that I am passionate about and committed to. You accumulate all the necessary knowledge and skills to be a successful surveyor in your day-to-day routine. There’s new experiences and challenges and you get the satisfaction of seeing your progress over time.”
On successful completion of the apprenticeship, subject to available roles, you will be offered promotion to a permanent position at EO grade. Our full-time EO annual salary is currently minimum £29,494 (national) and minimum £34,093 (London), with opportunities to progress further upon securing a permanent position.
As a Level 3 apprentice, your key responsibilities would include:
+ Property research and inspection, producing and recording digital surveys.
+ Valuing properties for Council Tax, Non-Domestic Rating or District Valuer Services.
+ Preparing case notes and deciding outcomes within set guidelines and supervision.
+ Responding to ratepayer enquiries on the telephone, on site and in writing.
+ Managing your time and working with others to deliver work promptly and accurately.
+ Completing the Level 3 Surveying Technician Apprenticeship
We are holding three live events via Microsoft Teams for candidates to find out about more. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/valuation-office-agency-36616694113, We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
+ Communicating and Influencing
+ Working Together, If you successfully pass the tests, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application.
A Personal Statement (maximum 500 words) outlining your suitability for the role by answering the following:
+ Describe a building in your local area and what factors might be considered when inspecting and valuing it.
+ Explain why you are interested in becoming a Valuation Surveying Technician Apprentice at the VOA.
Please refer to the job description, person specification and your own research when providing your answer.
Sift - 27 January - 3 February 2025 Please note these dates are provisional and may be subject to change.
We will assess you on your Civil Service Numerical Test , Caseworker Skills Test and your Personal Statement.
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the Civil Service Numerical Test & Caseworker Skills Tests. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to interview.
Interviews - 18 February - 4 March 2025 Please note these dates are provisional and may be subject to change. These will be confirmed should you be invited to interview.
Interviews are currently taking place using Microsoft Teams Video. We will provide more detail if you are shortlisted for interview.
We will assess you on the Behaviours listed in the job description, Strengths and Technical Questions.
At the interview, the panel can then probe further and ask applicants to provide further specific examples that show how they best demonstrate their skills.
Behaviours
The distinguishing Behaviours (the required skills, knowledge and behaviours) for this role are set out in the Civil Service Behaviours Framework 2018 (Success Profiles - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)) and should be referred to when making this application.
You are required, under the Behaviours approach, to describe how you have dealt with a specific situation.
You must give evidence of your knowledge, skills and behaviours and how you have applied this, such as what you did or said and how you interacted with other people.
When you are giving your examples, do not spend too many words on description and background information. Avoid using general or unspecific statements. Instead say what the situation was, what you did what your thought process was and so on.
Application Hints and Tips
For more information on Success Profiles, tips on how to write a successful application and find out more about what’s involved in the application process please visit About the application process , Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk)
Further Information
This post is full time however those applicants who do or wish to work an alternative working pattern are welcome to apply. Whilst we try take personal circumstances into account wherever possible, successful candidates must be willing and able to work at least 30 hours per week to meet the requirements of the programme.
We have 165 roles in the first instance, with a minimum of 1 role available per location advertised. These roles will be offered in merit order, according to candidates’ stated location preferences. You will be asked to state up to 2 locations during the application process. Please only include the location(s) you are prepared to work. If you would only like to be posted to one location, please confirm one location only.
Successful candidates must select one of the locations noted in this advert as their base office and will be expected to undertake regular travel to this location under the Agency’s hybrid working policy.
If you receive a provisional offer, you will be contacted separately to confirm which location the offer is for, from your stated preference(s). Please note that offers are specific to location and if you accept the offer, your role will be based in that location when you take up duty.
If you meet the minimum requirements but we are unable to offer you a role in the first instance, you will be placed on a reserve list for 3 months. We may be able to offer you a role at a later date if further opportunities become available in the location(s) you have stated as your preference(s), depending on your merit order position on the reserve list.
Due to the way the CS Jobs system is set up, when choosing your preferred locations, you will find that the Wembley & Canary Wharf locations will not appear on the list of options.
Should you wish to choose Wembley as a location then please select Harlesden.
Should you wish to choose Canary Wharf as a location then please select Tower Hamlets.
The VOA is an office-based organisation that supports flexible working. By default, everyone in the VOA is a hybrid worker with options to work in the office, at home or out and about, depending on the work they’re doing that day and where it’s best done.
Any move to VOA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
VOA employees only: If you are currently in receipt of DTA as a result of a VOA office closure/restructure and it is agreed for you to take up this role in your current location, you may continue to receive DTA for the remainder of the period you can claim for. Please check with the Vacancy Holder on preferred locations for this role before you apply.
If you would require a Certificate of Sponsorship from the VOA to undertake this role, please contact resourcingteam@voa.gov.uk before submitting your application.
Pre-employment Checks
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Reasonable Adjustment
We want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process because of a disability, condition, or impairment. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate.
If you need a reasonable adjustment or a change to be made so that you can make your application, please click here for more information:
Reasonable Adjustments , Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk) and contact voarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible.
Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process.
Terms & Conditions
Voluntary terms apply.
Reserve Lists
If we have more successful candidates than available vacancies, we will hold a 3-month reserve list as standard.
During that time, we may use the list to fill the same, or similar roles with closely matching essential criteria, without further testing of merit. Any appointments from the Reserve list will be made in strict merit order.
Starting Work
The successful candidates will be expected to take up their post on 28 April, 12 May or 2 June 2025, after notification of successful completion of pre-employment checks.
Applying
All applications for these vacancies must be made online. There are limited exceptions to this. Paper applications will only be considered if you have a disability that will prevent you from applying online. If this is the case, please email voarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Once you have submitted your application it cannot be amended; only submit your application when you have completely finished and answered all the relevant questions.
Please note that late applications will not be accepted.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
Use of AI
You may utilise artificial intelligence (AI) tools and platforms to support you during the application process however, as with any application all information submitted must be factually accurate and all examples provided must be taken directly from your own experience. All presented information will be assessed at interview. Any applications where factual inaccuracy, plagiarism or copying of examples/answers from internet sources is detected will be withdrawn from the process. Further action, including disciplinary action, may be considered in such cases involving internal candidates.
Concerns/Complaints
The Valuation Office Agency’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles, which outlines that selection for appointment is made on merit based on fair and open competition.
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the values in the Civil Service Code and/or if you feel the recruitment has been conducted in such a way that conflicts with the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles, you may make a complaint, by contacting the Central Recruitment Team at the following address: resourcingteam@voa.gov.uk
If you are not content with the outcome of your complaint you have the right to complain to the Civil Service Commissioners.
Existing Civil Servants and applicants from accredited NDPBs are eligible to apply but will only be considered on loan basis (Civil Servants) or secondment (accredited NDPBs). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
+ UK nationals
+ nationals of the Republic of Ireland
+ nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
+ individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
+ Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

+ Be committed to undertake and complete the Level 3 Surveying Technician Apprenticeship.
+ Have an interest in and desire to learn more about surveying, property and valuation.
+ Be able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
+ Be able to work with others to deliver aims and objectives.
+ Have strong organisation skills to manage a diverse workload, delivering to deadlines.
+ Be self-motivated, flexible and prepared to work across a range of duties.
+ Be willing to travel on a regular basis, including potential overnight stays.
Successful candidates will also need to meet the following qualification requirements by end March 2025:
+ GCSE Grade C /4 or above or an equivalent Level 2 qualification in English and Mathematics as defined by the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)
+ During the recruitment process you will need to be able to provide certificates for the above. A statement of results from your exam board will suffice initially if you are awaiting certificates. But you will need to provide certificates when enrolling on the apprenticeship.
+ Candidates must not already hold a qualification at the same level or above in the same subject area as the apprenticeship.
+ For the duration of the apprenticeship, candidates can not undertake another qualification including at the same time. This includes other apprenticeships, degrees, sandwich placements and other qualifications.
Please read the candidate pack linked at the bottom of this advert for further details., • GCSE Grade C /4 or above or an equivalent Level 2 qualification in English and Mathematics as defined by the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)

Kickstart your career with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), the public sector’s property valuation experts and advisers with a vision to be a world-leading provider of public sector valuations. As one of the largest employers of surveyors in the country our work is vital to the collection of over £60 billion of revenue. This goes back into communities, touching every citizen and every business across England and Wales.

Alongside your salary of £26,734, Valuation Office Agency contributes £7,744 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
We offer a range of flexible working options, a generous leave allowance that starts at 25 days and goes up to 30 days after 5 years’ service and a Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
+ Learning and development tailored to your role.
+ An environment with flexible working options.
+ Family friendly policies including 26 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption or shared parental leave.
+ Employee Assistance Programme offering comprehensive wellbeing support.
+ To learn more about the extensive benefits we can offer you as a VOA employee please download our Benefits Booklet: pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)