QUANTITY SURVEYOR IN TRAINING – Afri-Track Railway Construction

You typically need a National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or Civil Engineering from a recognized institution like NUST or a South African university. Professional registration with the Namibian Council for Architects and Quantity Surveyors (NCAQS) as a candidate member is often required or encouraged. Some employers also accept candidates with relevant National Certificates in Building or Civil Engineering combined with practical experience.

You will assist senior quantity surveyors with measuring and valuing work done on-site, preparing interim payment certificates, and maintaining cost records for materials and labour. Daily tasks include site visits to track progress, processing subcontractor claims, and updating cost reports using software like CCS or Excel. You will also learn to interpret drawings, specifications, and contract documents under supervision.

Namibian construction sites often involve remote locations with FIFO (fly-in-fly-out) or camp-based arrangements, requiring flexibility and extended hours during peak construction phases. Employers expect strong self-reliance due to limited local specialist support, and respect for hierarchical structures is important. Proficiency in English and Afrikaans is valuable, and understanding local labour laws and BEE requirements is increasingly expected.

After completing training and gaining professional registration, you can advance to Quantity Surveyor, Senior QS, or Commercial Manager roles within major projects. Specializing in rail infrastructure, mining, or renewable energy projects opens doors to regional opportunities in Botswana, Zambia, or South Africa. Some professionals move into project management, consulting, or establish their own quantity surveying practices.

Standard packages usually include medical aid contributions, pension or provident fund membership, and annual leave aligned with Namibian Labour Act requirements. Remote site work often attracts additional allowances for accommodation, meals, and transport. Professional development support for registration fees and further studies is increasingly common among established contractors.

Apply directly through company websites, Namibian job portals like My Namibia or Careers Namibia, and recruitment agencies specializing in construction. Employers prioritize practical site experience through vacation work or internships, proficiency in measurement software, and demonstrated commitment to professional registration. A well-prepared CV highlighting any exposure to large-scale civil projects and strong academic results in measurement and cost engineering subjects will strengthen your application.