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Lifelong learning and the changing role of quantity surveying profession

Quantity surveying skills sector has undergone significant changes over the past decade. Although, it was initially considered as the main profession for quantifying construction works in projects, quantity surveyors today undertake a spectrum of work ranging from providing investment appraisals to construction project management. In addition, changes in market, construction industry, client needs and profession posed threats and opportunities to the profession. Quantity surveyors have, therefore, subsequently begun to explore new potential roles. Apart from the traditional roles, quantity surveyors are expected to perform evolving roles in the profession with increased importance and emphasis on meeting clients’ needs. The constant change in the roles they perform in the industry pose a challenge for the quantity surveying professionals to be competitive in the construction labour market. In addressing this issue, the concept of lifelong learning is brought into their sector so that a continuous supply of updated knowledge and skills is ensured. The Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), being one of the main knowledge providers, carry a major responsibility to respond to the changing nature in the profession. In this context this paper, presented as part of the BELLCURVE research project at University of Salford, analyses close relationship between the QS professional development and the lifelong learning agenda promoted in particular in the European Union. Furthermore, the implications to governance systems of the HEIs system in making them more responsive to the changing labour market needs are discussed.