Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation

Alix's life changing experience with SAVA

When mother–of-two Alix Heritage was looking for a career that would give her the flexibility to spend time with children and provide job satisfaction, she didn’t to expect to find it in a pub.

Following working initially in the chemical industry and then managing pubs, Alix and her husband Max decided it was time to settle down and start a family.

Then a chance conversation in the pub led to her career path taking an unexpected turn.

“I was talking to one of my regulars, a chap called Nick, about my job dilemma. Nick has been an independent residential surveyor for 35 years and said he was looking for someone to help him with the admin.

“I started by helping write up the valuation reports, at first it was quite tricky starting from scratch but the more I learnt the more I enjoyed the variety of the work.”

After a few years Alix was looking to stretch herself and develop her skills but also needed to keep working as her second child had now been born.

“Nick suggested the vocational SAVA Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation as it allows you to fit the course work into your own schedule, meaning you can work and study at the same time.”

The diploma is the only vocational qualification route into a career in residential surveying and property valuation. It takes between 15 to 24 months to complete and combines home working with regular training sessions delivered by tutors where students can also meet their fellow learners.

“At my age not many people can stop working and go back to university to get a qualification to start a whole new career, the great thing about the course is that allows you to do exactly that but on your own terms.

“I’m not going to pretend it isn’t hard work but the tasks you are set are interesting and the tutors are also on hand if there’s something you need or don’t understand.

“It can be quite intense but it’s only for two years and you have to remember there’s a whole new way of life waiting for you at the end of it.”

Alix is enjoying the course so much she’s become one of its most passionate advocates. She reveals:

“I’ve recommended the course to my friends and one has already signed up. To anyone who’s thinking about it I’d say one thing - ‘Just get out there and do it!’.”