From mapping out the next city skyscraper to ensuring your local school is built in the right spot – surveyors play a key role in land development, construction, mining, transport, and environmental projects. Yet despite being essential to construction, planning, engineering, and property, surveying too often remains a career that people come across, rather than actively seek out.

Read on if you’re curious about what a career in land surveying actually looks like, and how to get started.

What does a surveyor actually do?

At its heart, land surveying is about measurement and spatial understanding. Surveyors determine the precise positions of points on the earth’s surface, establish boundaries, and produce data that underpins everything, from planning applications to multi-million-pound construction projects. Surveyors work in lots of different places, using a mix of technical know-how, problem solving, and people skills. Depending on your area of specialism, you might find yourself:

• Conducting topographic surveys to map the features of a site before development begins
• Carrying out measured building surveys to capture the geometry of existing structures
• Performing utility surveys to locate and map underground services
• Undertaking lease plan surveys or boundary surveys for legal and property purposes
• Using laser scanning and drone technology to capture highly detailed 3D datasets
• Working in monitoring roles, tracking the movement of structures, slopes, or ground over time

Geospatial surveying is a career on the rise, with demand growing across many industries. No two projects are quite the same, and no two days in the field are identical.

Who is surveying suitable for?

Surveying suits people who enjoy enjoy technology, being outdoors, and solving problems, who have a methodical mind, and who take pride in the accuracy of their work. You don’t necessarily need to have come from a technical or engineering background to find your footing in the profession. Many successful surveyors have entered the industry from construction, the military, a geography background, or even completely unrelated fields.

When it comes to building a career in surveying, what matters most is an aptitude for precision, a willingness to keep learning, and having practical curiosity about how things fit together in the physical world.

The importance of recognised training

Becoming a surveyor means learning the right technical skills and getting hands-on experience. While enthusiasm and aptitude will take you far, land surveying is a profession that demands formal, recognised skills. Equipment such as total stations, GNSS receivers, and terrestrial laser scanners requires proper training to use effectively – and the data you produce will be relied upon by engineers, architects, planners, and solicitors. Getting it wrong has real consequences but getting it right, consistently, is what defines a professional surveyor. This is where practical training becomes invaluable.

The Survey School: training for the real world

The Survey School, based in Worcester and part of The Survey Association, exists precisely to meet this need. It’s a leading provider of land surveying training, offering a wide range of courses that cater to everyone from complete beginners taking their first steps in the profession to experienced practitioners looking to extend their competencies or gain qualifications in new areas.

What sets The Survey School apart is its emphasis on hands-on, practical learning. Courses are led by instructors with genuine real-world experience, and the training is designed to equip attendees with skills they can apply from day one.

A breadth of training to support every stage of your career

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to diversify your existing skill set, there is almost certainly a course that is perfect for you.

The Survey School’s programmes are designed to flex around working lives. Many courses run over just a day or two, making them accessible to those already in employment who need to build specific skills without taking extended time away from work. Others are more intensive for those who want to immerse themselves in a new discipline.

For experienced professionals, the school’s courses provide a structured route to continuing professional development (CPD) – something that is increasingly important for maintaining memberships with professional bodies such as the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), both of which are closely linked to The Survey Association’s professional standards framework.

A career with real prospects

Land surveying offers strong long-term career prospects. Skilled surveyors are in consistent demand, and the profession has proved resilient through economic cycles because the need to measure, map, and monitor the physical world doesn’t diminish. The growing adoption of technologies such as laser scanning, drones, and BIM (Building Information Modelling) is creating new opportunities rather than replacing human expertise – surveyors who combine field skills with technological literacy are particularly well placed.

Learning in-demand skills, like working with GIS tools or flying drones, can give you a real edge in the job market. Progression is merit-based, and there is genuine scope to move into project management, consultancy, or specialist technical roles. Many surveyors also work independently, running their own businesses once they have built up experience and reputation.

Ready to take the next step?

Whether you’re considering a career change, looking to formalise skills you’ve developed on the job, or wanting to add new capabilities to an existing practice, The Survey School offers a clear and practical pathway forward.

As the training arm of The Survey Association – the trade body representing the land surveying profession in the UK – The Survey School brings together industry knowledge, professional standards, and practical expertise in a way that few other training providers can match.

To find out more about upcoming courses, qualifications, and how The Survey School can support your career development, visit The Survey School’s website.

For an overview of the geospatial profession, complete with short films of real surveyors and what they do – please visit our revamped Become A Surveyor website.

The post Building a career in geospatial appeared first on The Survey Association.

Stronger networks, stronger profession

The major events we create for our members continue to grow in scope and attract increasing numbers. This year’s AGM at Wembley saw nearly 60 survey businesses represented. As well as enjoying vibrant round table discussions on subjects close to our members’ hearts, including equipment theft, education and skills, fees and client education, the afternoon ‘Robot Wars’ session, along with the stadium tour added to the collaborative feel and opportunities to network.

Last month’s Conference and Awards Day was the best attended event in TSA’s history and we were delighted with the positive feedback from members, The Survey School delegates and the apprentices who attended. Mandy Hickson’s presentation was truly awe-inspiring, with fantastic insights into leadership,teamwork and members left armed with insights that directly improve their businesses. Plans are now well underway for our TSA AGM in March 2026 at Twickenham with the aim to continue to build community but also provide a place for members to contribute, inform and be informed.

In May next year we will also be returning to Utility Week Live. This will build on the progress we made in attending Europe’s only pan-utility exhibition this year to promote our PUMA scheme and talk to clients about the importance of best practice and raising standards when it comes to delivering surveys that comply with the PAS128 specification. TSA will also be offering more valuable CPD sessions to clients, working hard to raise standards and promote the vital importance of geospatial skill and expertise.

Tackling challenges head-on

2025 has also seen the establishment of our new partnership with NCATT (National Construction and Agriculture Theft Team), a dedicated unit within Northumbria Police, to address the continued threat of equipment theft, the consequences of which affects everyone involved in the geospatial profession. We have joined the Donor Group, which consists of the Construction Equipment Association, Construction Plant Association and Hire Association Europe, as well as insurers and suppliers. We are working closely with NCATT on this pressing concern for the good of all survey businesses and we look forward to sharing news of action being taken.

Relentlessly investing in the future

TSA funded the original project to create both Level 3 and Level 6 Trailblazer Apprenticeships for those wishing to train and gain a recognised qualification in surveying. We continue to be absolutely committed to supporting the roll out of Geospatial Apprenticeships across the country and it was fantastic having three apprentices attending last month’s Conference and Awards Day to receive the inaugural Best Apprentice awards. We are delighted that we now have T3 Training, along with Riverside and Dudley Colleges offering the Level 3 Geospatial Survey Technician Apprenticeship and we look forward to reporting further good news on this front in the weeks and months ahead.

Members of The Survey Association enjoy the benefits of recognition across the survey profession and stay up-to-date with the latest professional insights, guidance, and technologies.

To find out more about becoming a member, please go to https://www.tsa-uk.org.uk/membership/.

The post Driving standards, building community: TSA’s 2025 milestones and the road to 2026 appeared first on The Survey Association.

It is essential to be able to pause, celebrate and broaden horizons to understand the bigger picture.

Our Conference and Awards was also a great example of some of the benefits that can be enjoyed by TSA members and the sort of events we have to offer. Other highlights of membership include industry-wide recognition for companies, technical and business seminars, marketing and promotion of your business, offers and discounts, and access to our jobs board too.  

Becoming a member of TSA is a rigorous but straightforward process, that ensures the association’s high standards and professionalism are maintained. Companies that apply need to meet stringent criteria to be considered.

The five category options of TSA membership and their criteria:

Full Membership is for businesses that have been trading for more than three years and the majority of their turnover is from surveying work carried out in the UK.

Associate Memberships are for companies trading for fewer than three years, but that meet all other requirements of a Full Membership. Associate members can also apply for full status after three years of membership.

Affiliate Memberships are designed for multi-disciplinary consultancies in the UK that have survey departments within them, but surveying is not their core activity.

Academic Membership is for any educational institution that offers a surveying qualification. This category is free to join.

Supplier Membership is for companies that provide services or products to the surveying profession, such as equipment, software, IT or insurance.

The road to TSA membership

The application can be carried out digitally and typically takes four to five months to process. The initial enquiry can be made through the JOIN US link on our website to receive the appropriate application form.

The next step is the submission of evidence, where for Full, Associate and Affiliate Membership applicants will provide work samples that reflect the type of survey work undertaken by the company as DWG files and final PDF, along with the client specification, demonstrating surveying methodology with survey control points and method, and health and safety policies, such as Risk Assessment Method Statements (RAMS).

References will also need to be provided for TSA to scrutinise and an assessment call between the applicant and TSA will provide more in-depth background on the applicant. Once all this information has been studied and approved, a report is sent to the Membership and Internal Affairs (MIA) Committee and then to TSA’s Council for final approval.

Our membership is growing every year, so why not get in touch and find out how you can become part this exciting professional community? To start the process, visit the ‘Join Us’ section of The Survey Association website today.

The post Success by Association: enjoy the benefits of TSA membership appeared first on The Survey Association.

Mark White, the company’s commercial director, provides some insights into Landscope’s experience of becoming PUMA accredited.

PUMA has really been a question of formalising and documenting our standard practices; providing customers with the highest level of confidence that our utility surveys are being delivered to industry standards

What is your involvement with utility surveys?

LandScope regularly undertakes utility mapping surveys in line with PAS128:2022 guidance. We undertake a variety of utility surveys, ranging from large scale military bases, road improvement schemes and utility network providers to smaller projects of varying complexity. Our capability extends into the marine environment, leveraging our specialised sensors to locate underwater cables and pipes.

Why do you think PUMA is important?

As a leader in the geospatial sector, Landscope prides itself on being an early adopter of new standards and technology; we were an early adopter of GPR technology for utility mapping back in 2004 (prior to PAS128 guidelines being introduced). This mind-set was a primary reason that becoming PUMA accredited appealed to us.

Prior to PUMA, it would have been challenging for industry customers to have confidence that a requested utility survey would meet PAS128 compliance (unless familiar with PAS128 specifications). We believe that adoption of PUMA across the sector will help drive an increase in quality and compliance, across the industry.

How did you find the process of applying for accreditation?

It was very encouraging to discover that during the on-site audit, the competent assessor would ask probing questions, challenging our established procedures. It was certainly not a simple tick box exercise!

We found the entire process rather enjoyable. It was affirming to learn that we have been exceeding the PAS128 requirements as standard. Working towards PUMA accreditation has meant that we can now further evidence our professional standards.

What impact do you think being PUMA accredited has had/ will have on your business?

From a commercial perspective, we operate in a highly competitive market. We hope that PUMA will help ensure fairness when competing with other PUMA accredited suppliers, giving clients the confidence that quoted surveys will be competed to an equivalent standard.  PUMA goes a long way in supporting rates that are commensurate with our profession – something all competent survey companies will benefit from.

What advice would you give anyone thinking about starting an application for PUMA accreditation?

As PUMA becomes more widely adopted, leading to an increase in client awareness, PUMA will very quickly become a commercial prerequisite. Ensuring survey businesses conform to the standard will help to reverse the current race to the bottom practices, compromising quality and safety.

As well as the commercial advantage, going through the PUMA accreditation process is an excellent way of auditing your internal procedures, giving the organisation confidence in both their employees and general working practices.

To find out more about PUMA, please go to https://www.tsa-uk.org.uk/puma/.

The post Why apply for PUMA accreditation? appeared first on The Survey Association.

1. TSA works to vigorously promote the importance of geospatial surveying skills and standards, directly to clients and client-facing organisations
2. Helps ensure you are keeping up to date with new professional insights, guidance and of course, the latest in cutting-edge technology.
3. Opportunities for collaboration with other members and all the benefits that pooling skillsets can bring.
4. Networking at our events throughout the year. From our regular Health and Safety seminars to our annual Conference and our AGM, there are many opportunities to get together with fellow professionals, make new contacts and forge rewarding relationships.
5. Looking to recruit? Whether you are looking for a new apprentice or a seasoned professional, TSA’s jobs board and apprenticeship page are totally free for members to post recruitment ads.
6. Professional resources. Our website is packed with useful information and a wealth of material you can use, ranging from advice on marketing to financial tips as part of our declared aim to help our members run a better business.
7. Learning and Continuous Company Development (CCD). As well as free to attend technical and business seminars and huge discounts on surveying courses at The Survey School, our CCD initiative has been running since 2009 for Full Members. This emphasis on professional improvement ensures TSA members maintain the highest standards, benefitting the whole profession and providing peace of mind to clients.
8. Attending unmissable events that money can’t buy is an important member benefit, with opportunities to learn from inspirational leaders and speakers, such as Sir Clive Woodward and Major Tim Peake. Recent events have taken us to Wembley, Silverstone, Anfield and the British Motor Museum.
9. Make savings with discounts for RTK/DGPS licences by Leica and Trimble, get a discount on Topcon’s TopNet licences and a discounted rate for Data Recovery.
10. Be sure of industry-wide recognition as a member of TSA, which now has well over 200 member companies.

To find out more about becoming a member of The Survey Association, please go to https://www.tsa-uk.org.uk/membership/.

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“It’s not the plane, it’s the pilot”: a day of celebrating skill

Our very special keynote speaker is Mandy Hickson, a truly trailblazing former Royal Air Force fast-jet pilot and motivational speaker, internationally renowned for breaking barriers, both in aviation and leadership.

Mandy was one of the first women to fly the Tornado GR4 on the front line, patrolling high-risk zones such as the ‘No Fly’ zone over Iraq. Now, with over 30 years of aviation experience, she is a recognised authority on decision-making under pressure, resilience and high-performance leadership. Retired from active service, she is a facilitator, coach and speaker, drawing on her risk-taking, team collaboration and leadership expertise to offer powerful insights to the corporate sector.

Awards and more

Following our keynote, which will include an opportunity for a Q & A with our speaker, this year’s graduates from The Survey School will be presented with their awards and certificates for completing TSA Surveying Courses 62, 63 and 64. The winners of the Most Improved Student Award, the Best Assignment Award and the Best Student Award will be announced.

This year, for the first time, we are also delighted to be presenting awards to apprentices studying Level 3 Geospatial Survey Technician and Level 6 Geospatial Mapping.

Afterwards there will be plenty of opportunity to network with other members and enjoy lunch together before heading off in the early afternoon.

As ever, we hope to see as many TSA members as possible at this year’s event. If you would like to attend, don’t forget to check your emails and click on the registration link. Please get in touch by 24^th October 2025 with your details and we look forward to seeing you there.

For any more information, please contact office@tsa-uk.org.uk.

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Powers and utility surveys

Powers is a long-established geospatial survey firm in North West England, serving the architecture, engineering, and construction sectors for more than 50 years. The company delivers a full range of geospatial services, including:

• Measured building and topographical surveys
• 3D laser scanning, mobile mapping, 3D Revit modelling, UAV (drone) surveys
• Site‑engineering work like setting‑out, machine control, ground modelling, as‑built surveys, deformation monitoring
• Underground utility detection (PAS 128 compliant and PUMA accredited)

The Powers team brings deep expertise in hi‑tech, high‑precision surveying and works throughout the UK. Powers holds ISO accreditations for Quality (ISO 9001), Health & Safety (ISO 45001), and Environmental Management (ISO 14001), enabling the company to work in the aerospace, defence, and aviation sectors. Powers’ approach is hands‑on, emphasising building relationships with clients to better understand their needs, delivering value within budget and time constraints and supporting decision‑making from early stages in projects.

Why do you think PUMA is important?

In the UK, there’s no mandatory rule governing how underground utility surveys are carried out. Quality varies widely. Being PUMA-accredited tells clients that your surveys truly follow PAS 128 and that your processes are independently audited. That builds trust swiftly, cuts ambiguity in bids, and reduces risk on site. Clients choosing a PUMA‑accredited firm know what they’re getting: independent verification that the surveys meet PAS 128:2022 standards. That spares them from time-consuming due diligence and reduces the chance of buried‑utility surprises, costly delays, or even injuries on site.

PUMA isn’t just a badge. It creates a consistent, national standard for utility surveys by TSA (The Survey Association) and is managed by LRQA (a global leader in quality assurance). Every accredited company is audited against processes, staff competency, risk management, and transparency in results.

How did you find the process of applying for PUMA accreditation?

Earning PUMA isn’t a one‑and‑done. First comes an office systems audit; then on‑site validation of survey methods; then periodic surveillance during the three‑year accreditation period—so the standards are maintained.

As we are already ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 certified, the external PAS 128 audit was very similar to our external ISO Standard audits so we didn’t have to change much in order to get through it. All of our projects are subject to high quality standards, so it was a case of communicating this well to the auditor. Unlike our ISO auditors, the PUMA auditors understand the geospatial profession as they also audit NERS (National Electricity Registration Scheme), WIRS (Water Industry Registration Scheme) and GIRS (Gas Industry Registration Scheme) companies. LRQA’s PUMA auditors therefore understood the nuances of underground utility detection to a very deep level which means our clients can be assured we are rigorously checked to a high standard. We passed first time with flying colours and will continue to do this in the future.

What impact do you think being PUMA accredited has on your business?

Having PUMA accreditation helps us to communicate effectively and quickly with clients and establish a clear quality benchmark for our underground utility surveys. Our clients are clear about what they are getting and know that they can leave the technical detail to the experts when dealing with Powers. We believe that all utility surveyors should have a requirement to be PUMA PAS 128 accredited so that the quality of underground utility detection in the profession remains high and standardised.

What advice would you give anyone thinking about starting to apply for PUMA accreditation?

Go for it! The audit is a methodical process and if you’re doing everything correctly and you’ve been following the PAS 128 specification anyway, then you should sail through the audit. It really helps when explaining what we do to potential clients who come from a variety of backgrounds and who may or may not understand utility detection.

To find out more about PUMA, please go to https://www.tsa-uk.org.uk/puma/.

The post Gaining PUMA accreditation appeared first on The Survey Association.

Our membership options

Full membership is ideal for survey businesses with a proven track record over more than three years and provides the benefit of successful applicants being eligible to stand for TSA Council. Associate membership works for those businesses that meet all the requirements of the Full membership, with the exception of their period of trading – i.e. less than three years in business. Supplier membership is for companies that supply a service or product to the survey profession. Academic members represent establishments that provide qualifications, training or learning skills relating to surveying or a related subject. Affiliate membership is for UK based companies, where surveying does not represent the primary or majority source of its income.

A wealth of benefits

Once you’ve become a member of TSA, you can enjoy such benefits as recognition across the land survey profession, and keep up with the latest professional insights, guidance and technology. You can also collaborate and network with other geospatial sector professionals to position yourself at the forefront of your field.

Being a member of TSA offers a wide range of tangible advantages. These include access to our extensive jobs board advertising professional vacancies, access to marketing and promotional services for your business, equipment security systems, access to free seminars, a business helpline for your business queries, and a 50% discount on surveying courses at our Survey School in Worcester. These benefits offer both insight and assurance that you are part of the bigger picture. TSA also has a Continuing Company Development (CCD) initiative which was established in 2009 and Full Members were contacted to complete their CCD return for the last 12 months on Monday 15 September 2025. Many TSA members engage in continuous learning and development, and as a result are up-to-date with the latest trends, best practices and innovations in the surveying industry. This ensures that our members adhere to the highest standards, that we set and they uphold.

High standards, best practice

Our members tell us that they find being part of TSA’s community to be hugely useful and rewarding. The feedback we have received makes it clear that not only do they benefit from the expertise and knowledge of collaborating with the only UK trade body for land surveyors, but they also enjoy being able to talk to like-minded people about shared challenges, best practice and wisdom.

In addition to this knowledge-sharing aspect, membership also allows members to attend our AGMs – which have been hosted at venues including Anfield football stadium, Silverstone racetrack and Wembley – and annual conferences at the British Motor Museum near Warwick. These events, which feature guest speakers and industry intel, are free to attend for members. Our Conference & Awards Day is next on the horizon for members and will be held on Friday 7 November 2025. This is a key fixture in our TSA calendar and provides unmissable networking and professional development opportunities for our membership.

There’s much more information on the various member options and events available on our website and social media, with further details on how to join up and benefit from our ever-growing organisation.

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He says,

“I’m delighted in how our profession has evolved and am humbled and fortunate enough in being given the opportunity to influence and guide it during this time. My commitment to all things Geospatial, with a particular leaning towards utility mapping, is unwavering.”

Site Vision Surveys and utility surveys

The idea for Site Vision Surveys Ltd (SVS Ltd) came about because of a very clear need for utility surveying within the environmental market. Hundreds of sites were being investigated every year and those at the front end were being exposed to the potential risks buried utility services pose and so SVS’ service avoidance service, combining best available technologies with the experience the company had gained over the years, was born.  

From these humble beginnings SVS has grown into a diverse and vibrant company, providing a wide range of geospatial surveying services, driven by its determination to positively influence the market and the numerous other practitioners to provide a quality product through the adoption of learning, development and innovation. Becoming one of the first companies to gain the PUMA accreditation is testament to that philosophy.

Why is PUMA important?

Site Vision Surveys has experienced, qualified surveyors delivering a professional service and product to a recognised high standard welcomed by its regular client base and desired by those they recommend SVS to.

Simon says,

“What we now have is recognition that all aspects of our company, its processes and personnel, all run at that same level of professionalism and high standards.”

How did you find the process of applying for accreditation? 

Simon continues,

“I think a lot of companies will baulk at the cost of the accreditation without realising the benefits it has to both business and more importantly the staff.

“Any company that is confident it is carrying out PAS128 2022 to the required high level should have little problem in achieving this standard and in our opinion benefit from any recommendations during the process. Applying and achieving accreditation was straightforward enough from our perspective, as most processes and documentation were already in place and only required minor tweaks.” 

What impact do you think being PUMA accredited has had/ will have on your business?

“Internally, this accreditation justifies the hard work our teams give every day and acknowledges the pride they have in their product and final deliverable. Qualified surveyors working for accredited practitioners deliver quality, assurance and accountability that isn’t always present from our profession.”

What advice would you give anyone thinking about starting applying for accreditation?

“Every utility detection and mapping company should be preparing to gain this accreditation. It is a thorough examination of your business and your working practices, but ultimately will deliver the reassurance and peace of mind we should all demand of ourselves in order to benefit our clients.”

To find out more about PUMA, please go to https://www.tsa-uk.org.uk/puma/.

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UPDATE 2026: Check out www.becomeasurveyor.com for all the routes into geospatial surveying.

Contrary to popular belief, apprenticeships are not just for young people starting their careers. Apprenticeships are one of the most cost-effective and impactful ways to upskill your existing staff, drive performance, and support retention.

Whether you are recruiting new talent or investing in your current workforce, our guide breaks down how apprenticeships work and what to expect as an employer.

What’s included in an apprenticeship programme?

Every apprenticeship is built around a government-approved standard, which outlines:

• Knowledge the learner will gain
• Skills they will develop
• Behaviours they are expected to demonstrate in their role.

Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours, (KSBs) are developed through a mix of on-the-job training (in the workplace) and off-the-job learning (delivered by a training provider, such as a College, University or Private Training Company). 

The standards (outlining the curriculum) are all outlined on the government website which can be found here.

Embedded within the apprenticeship is an academic qualification – the TQUK Level 3 Diploma in Geospatial Surveying for the level 3 apprenticeship and a Bachelor of Science degree in the level 6.

Who delivers the training?

Only approved providers can deliver apprenticeships. These are listed on the Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register (APAR). Depending on the provider, training may be delivered via:

• Block release (e.g. two-week college blocks)
• Day release (e.g. one day per week at university)
• Online/blended options (increasingly common and useful for existing employees)

Example providers for Geospatial Apprenticeships are:

Level 3 – Geospatial Survey Technician

• Dudley College of Technology (block release)
• Riverside College, Widnes (block release)
• Suffolk New College, Ipswich campus (day release)
• Other colleges coming on board

Level 6 – Geospatial Mapping and Science Specialist (Degree)

• University of East London (day release during term time)
• Other options coming soon

If you’re looking to develop internal talent, speak to your training provider about flexible delivery models that suit working professionals.

Where do I advertise to take on an apprentice?

When recruiting new staff as apprentices, you can advertise through:

• Find an Apprenticeship – GOV.UK
• Your training provider (they often promote roles for you)
• Your own website, social media, or recruitment channels
• Sector-specific sites (e.g. The Survey Association for geospatial roles)

If you are using apprenticeships to upskill existing staff, there is no need to advertise—just identify the right individual and enrol them onto the relevant apprenticeship standard with your chosen training provider. 

How much supervision or support is needed?

Apprentices (whether new or existing staff) need a structured support system to succeed.

As the employer, your responsibilities include:

• Appointing a workplace mentor or supervisor
• Supporting regular 10–12 weekly reviews, also known as tripartite meetings, involving:
  • You (or the mentor)
  • The apprentice
  • The training provider

These reviews are required under ESFA (Education and Skills Funding Agency – part of Department for Education) funding rules and help ensure that progress is monitored, issues are addressed early, and the learning stays aligned to workplace needs.

When upskilling current staff, this structure reinforces their development and allows for real-time application of skills in their role.

You can learn more about your responsibilities as an employer here:
Your responsibilities as an employer – GOV.UK

What are the first steps to hiring or upskilling through apprenticeships?

Whether you’re hiring new talent or developing someone already on your team, the steps are largely the same:

1. Choose the right apprenticeship standard for the role or upskilling need
2. Find an approved training provider
3. Set up a digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account
4. Recruit a new apprentice or select an internal staff member
5. Enrol the apprentice with the provider
6. Sign the apprenticeship and training agreements

Using apprenticeships to upskill your team can align perfectly with progression plans, restructure projects, or digital transformation efforts.

How much will it cost?

The government covers 95–100% of apprenticeship training costs, making it one of the most affordable ways to develop staff:

• Levy-paying employers (annual payroll over £3 million) can use their levy funds to pay for training
• Non-levy employers pay just 5% of the training cost, with government covering the rest

If you are upskilling existing staff, you continue to pay their salary as normal. There is no requirement to reduce pay when someone becomes an apprentice. This makes apprenticeships a powerful retention and development tool—particularly for team members stepping into new responsibilities.

How are apprenticeships assessed?

All apprentices complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA) at the end of their programme to demonstrate full occupational competence.

An EPA may include:

• A professional discussion or interview
• Practical assessments or observations
• A portfolio of evidence or project presentation

The EPA is carried out by an independent End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO)—for example, Verge365 for geospatial roles.

More information on EPAs can be found here: End-point assessment guidance – IfATE

Useful Links and Resources

• Hire an apprentice – GOV.UK
• How to take on an apprentice – GOV.UK
• Employing an apprentice – GOV.UK
• Set up an Apprenticeship Service Account – GOV.UK
• Employer responsibilities

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