Kirsty Tibbetts (KT) & Murray McLure (MM)

Tell us a bit about your background and what you were doing before starting the SAVA course?

KT: My background is in history and heritage. After university I worked for various conservation charities in Hertfordshire, the Lake District, the Central Belt and in Dumfries, and I still have a keen interest in history.

Following lockdown, I was made redundant and an opportunity arose to move career into lettings management with a local firm in Dumfries. Encouraged to develop further, I started the diploma with SAVA and completed that and qualified last year.

MM: Before starting the SAVA course, I was working in painting and decorating, which I enjoyed. However, I felt ready for a new challenge. I had previously studied surveying and always had an interest in property, so I decided it was the right time to turn to the profession and pursue it properly.

What first made you consider a surveying career?

KT: I was enjoying learning more about the property sector through lettings management, and the role expanded to include residential sales. When an offer arose to study surveying through the SAVA diploma, it was a chance to step into a secure career and continue to develop my knowledge and understanding in this new area.

MM: I’ve always been interested in property. Having previously studied elements of surveying, it was something I wanted to revisit and develop further. I also had friends working in the sector, so I was aware that the role offered variety, with every day presenting different properties and new things to learn.

Why did you choose the SAVA route rather than a more traditional pathway into surveying?

KT: Surveying has become a second career for me. With a family at home, returning to full time study was not an option, so a diploma route that could be achieved while working more suited my situation.

MM: The SAVA route suited me because it allowed me to continue working full time while studying. That flexibility was essential for my circumstances. As the course focuses specifically on residential surveying and valuation, the area I wanted to work in, the content was directly relevant and engaging throughout.

Did you consider any other routes into surveying?

KT: After I started in lettings management, my personal development into the diploma and surveyor training came rather quickly. With my particular situation, this was the best fit and any other routes were just not feasible.

MM: I did consider returning to university to complete my degree. However, due to the time commitment and the fact the course would have been full time, it wasn’t a practical option for me at that stage. 

How did you find the structure and content of the SAVA course?

KT: I found the structure and content worked well for me. It did not rely on any previous knowledge and seemed to fit particularly well for candidates who were changing careers. The occasional in-person lectures allowed us to connect with others on the course and support each other.

The learning focuses on English property law, though the lecturers do have some knowledge on the differences that exist in Scotland. I understand SAVA is looking at bringing the course to Scotland and adapting it to align with the systems here.

MM: The structure worked very well, with a good balance of in person and online learning. Sessions were well prepared, and recordings were available shortly afterwards if you needed to catch up. The lecturers were knowledgeable and always approachable when questions arose.

The most valuable part for me was applying the theory to real properties provided by SAVA. Being able to implement what I was learning in practical situations made the knowledge much more meaningful.

How important was employer support in helping you complete the course?

KT: The support from my employer was invaluable. Being able to ask questions of an experienced surveyor when I needed it and to see examples of what I was learning were particularly helpful. The consistent encouragement and engagement with the course, even if it was less familiar, was reassuring.

If I was looking to learn more about a particular property, or if I needed an example of a property type for my case studies, there were plenty of offers of assistance to help me find this. Being based in Scotland, this helped me to transpose my English based learning to the practical application in Scotland. 

MM: I joined DM Hall during my assessment period, and its support was excellent. The firm provided time, practical experience and access to properties for my case studies. With its help and encouragement, I was able to complete the course sooner than I initially expected.

In what ways did having an employer make the process easier?

KT: Having an employer in a relevant field meant I could develop both my on-the-job skills and the knowledge and understanding required. Being able to ask questions of the team here, including the administrative staff, all helped to build the foundations required to continue as a surveyor once the course was completed.

MM: I learn best through hands-on experience, so working with DM Hall made a significant difference. Shadowing surveyors daily helped me gain a clearer understanding of how Home Reports should be carried out in practice.

As case studies form a key part of the course, DM Hall was very supportive in helping me source suitable properties. The ongoing guidance from experienced surveyors was invaluable to my development.

Can you give examples of on-the-job experience that helped reinforce what you were learning through SAVA?

KT: Whilst shadowing a survey on a flat, we investigated the garden area outside and found an area of Japanese Knotweed present. It felt quite different seeing some in the wild, rather than in a textbook. I find that this helps to solidify knowledge better than just reading about it.

MM: Carrying out surveys significantly reinforced what I was learning through SAVA, particularly when identifying defects and assessing overall property condition in real situations.

Producing detailed site notes, EPCs and accurate floor plans strengthened my understanding of what I had been learning. It helps as it’s not just in a textbook.

What are your next career goals now that you’re AssocRICS?

KT: I am so thrilled to have reached this point after all my career challenges. I’d like to continue to grow my knowledge and experience and look to becoming MRICS in a few years’ time.

MM: Over the next few years, I’d like to continue building my knowledge and experience, with the long-term goal of progressing to MRICS qualification.

How do you feel this route positions you for long-term career progression in surveying?

KT: While not the traditional route, I feel that I have been well set up to continue in this direction, and with a supportive and encouraging employer, I believe that I will be able to continue to progress.

MM: Although it’s not the traditional university route, SAVA has given me a solid and practical foundation. The residential focus ensures you’re well prepared for real-world surveying work. Combined with the support from DM Hall, I feel I’ve been set up to a high standard and am well positioned to progress in my career. 

Who would you recommend the SAVA route why?

KT: The SAVA route works for anyone who feels university and the traditional route is not the right thing for them, and for anyone looking to change careers.

MM: I would recommend the SAVA route to anyone interested in residential surveying who feels that university or other traditional routes aren’t the right fit. It provides the flexibility to work full time while developing the skills needed for a career change.

Do you think this is a good option for people changing careers?

KT: I think this is a great option for those looking to change careers. There is lots of support to be found; from SAVA, from the other attendees on the course, as well as from employers keen to develop their staff. It allows you to continue working while learning and to go at a pace that suits you.

MM: Yes, I’ve come across many people from my intake and others who had no background in the property sector. The course provides a genuine opportunity to start a new career in an industry you’re motivated to develop in.

Everyone I encountered from fellow students to SAVA staff were extremely supportive, which makes a big difference when changing careers, as it can be an anxious time.

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