Working towards excellence

As part of our ongoing education initiative and the launch of the new Become a Surveyor website, we’ve looked at how to map out a career in surveying in a simple, informative way. Our route map sets out the various paths available to budding surveyors. There are three distinct routes to a successful career as a geospatial surveyor. You can choose to work, to study or to ‘earn and learn’.

If you choose to work, you’ll become a trainee surveyor. This will lead to hands-on instruction from your employer, and you can attend the TSA Surveying Course at The Survey School. You can then progress to becoming an assistant surveyor, which brings with it a new raft of responsibilities and the ProQual Diploma, an experience-based Level 3 qualification. This can then lead to becoming a fully-fledged Surveyor. The Survey School’s range of specialist courses can extend existing knowledge with an injection of short, subject-specific courses too. With increased experience comes seniority, and this can eventually lead to roles such as Principal Surveyor, Survey Project Manager or even becoming a business owner.

Studying towards success

Choosing to study is a more defined pathway and one many students in many sectors will be familiar with. This will involve taking A Levels in subjects relevant to surveying, such as maths, geography and design, or T Levels in technical areas such as design, surveying and planning, or Design Engineer Construct (DEC). This can then lead on to study for a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography, Civil Engineering or another related subject. It could also lead to studying for a Master’s Degree in Geospatial. By this point on the pathway, students will be fully-qualified surveyors, where they can then follow the same routes as the ‘choose to work’ path.

Learning while you’re earning

Another option is to become an apprentice. The Level 3 Geospatial Survey Technician was created specifically for this purpose. You can also combine work with study via a Degree Apprenticeship and later you can even undertake a Master’s Apprenticeship.

Our route map illustrates the flexible career routes available to candidates, which provides the freedom to build a career that fits your goals. Starting on one pathway doesn’t limit you. As you can see from the diagram, you can switch to another route at any time, to continue your career growth in a way that suits you.

To find out more about becoming a surveyor, visit our new website or get in touch for more information about careers in surveying. 

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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/.

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It was the best attended event in TSA’s history and the buzz in the room was palpable.

“It’s not the plane, it’s the pilot”

Introduced by TSA President, Claire Fenwick, our keynote speaker was the utterly inspirational Mandy Hickson, one of the UK’s first female, fast-jet pilots and now a world-class facilitator, coach and speaker. She shared details of her extraordinary career with her highly engaging presentation. As well as some amazing photography and footage from her RAF days flying the Tornado GR4 and patrolling the ‘No Fly’ zone over Iraq, she also included tips she learned on the front line regarding teamwork, leadership under extreme pressure and resilience.

In addition to telling delegates some fascinating anecdotes, she made what she had learned about herself and others’ behaviour both relevant and thought-provoking for her business audience.

The famous quote from Top Gun:Maverick, ‘it’s not the plane, it’s the pilot’, is just as relevant to surveying as it is to the world of fast jets.  It’s not the equipment, it’s the surveyor – the skills, experience, qualifications and training of a surveyors makes all the difference and is the foundation on which everything else flows from.

After spending time answering audience questions, she also signed a number of copies of her bestselling book, ‘An Officer, Not A Gentleman’.

Award winners from The Survey School

Following the keynote speech and a short break, Vice President Oliver Viney led the Awards part of the day. As well as presenting certificates to this year’s cohort of students from The Survey School who have completed Courses 62, 63 and 64 of the two year TSA Surveying Course, three of these students were given particular recognition for their achievements.

Theodor Suhan was awarded the Vice President’s Special Recognition Award, having achieved an overall Distinction for the course, while his final assignment was described by tutors as exceptional.

Simon Hamlyn, Chartered ICES CEO, presented the award for the CICES Prize for the Best Assignment to Luke Appleton of Archidata, who achieved a perfect score of 100% for his faultless final assignment.

Kevin Smith, Managing Director at Hexagon Geosystems / Leica Geosystems, co-sponsor of the Best Student Award, presented Max Heaton of Centara with this award, noting that with a final course average of 93%, Max ranks among the highest achievers since the course began in 2001.

Level 3 and Level 6 Geospatial Apprenticeships awards winners

Once The Survey School graduates had received their awards, it was time to recognise the exceptional achievements of students undertaking Geospatial Apprenticeships. Led by TSA Members and former TSA Council Members, Lucy Powers and Richard Maltby, through the Geospatial Apprenticeship Trailblazer Group, TSA has played a pivotal role in coordinating and developing the recently updated and relaunched Level 3 and Level 6 Geospatial Apprenticeships. These awards stand as a testament to TSA’s enduring commitment to its belief that “every young person should know about land surveying as a career.”

The outstanding apprentices who were recognised in our awards ceremony were three individuals who represent the very best of emerging talent in our profession:

• Ryan Wilson, from Dudley College of Technology whose employer is Solihull Council
• Dylan Bradley, from Riverside College, Widnes, employed by Formby Surveys
• Owen Teesdale, from the University of East London, studying the Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, employed by Hampshire County Council.

Following the awards, there was plenty of time to enjoy networking over lunch, catching up with delegates and making new connections, before departing in the afternoon.

Members were delighted with the day, providing effusive feedback:

“The keynote speaker always provides thought provoking insights into things that can improve both the business, but also personal development. These speakers have provided real triggers for change within how we deliver leadership within the business, so thank you for investing in such quality speakers.”

“The general buzz was contagious, and I left feeling very excited and motivated about our profession.”

“I believe that (the day) created a very tangible sense of achievement in the students that were receiving their award. You could see the pride on their faces.”

“It was very motivational!”

“Mandy Hickson was tremendous.”

“The networking opportunities were great.”

Benefits of TSA Membership

For the latest news about our exclusive events for members, please go to https://www.tsa-uk.org.uk/events/. Discover more about the raft of benefits of TSA membership and how it helps our members build a better business, at https://www.tsa-uk.org.uk/membership/

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AutoCAD Point Cloud Essentials, delivered in partnership with Technical BIM Studio, is designed to equip participants with practical skills for working with point cloud data in AutoCAD. The one-day course is described as ideal for existing users who are finding they are not using the AutoCAD package to its full advantage. The one-day course can be added on to the two-day AutoCAD for Surveying course as a third day or can be attended as a standalone for those who have already completed the two-day course.

What does the new AutoCAD Point Cloud Essentials course cover?

The course content covers point cloud basics, checking and validation, point cloud manipulation, digitising from point cloud and drawing quality checking and delivery. Find out more about the course content here.

Currently, the plan is to hold the course bi-monthly in 2026. Numbers are strictly limited to just six people for each one, guaranteeing an excellent tutor to student ratio.

Discounted rates

Previous attendees of the two-day AutoCAD for Surveying course are eligible for an exclusive 25% discount when booking the new one-day course.

Don’t forget that TSA Members get a special rate (27% discount). The Survey School is the UK’s only commercial training centre that provides training to the land survey industry which is accredited by The Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES). CICES members qualify for a 10% discount.

To find out more or to sign up, please email office@surveyschool.org.uk or call 01905 26329.

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As well as its longer courses, The Survey School also offers eight short courses that cover a range of disciplines within the land surveying profession. These technical ‘short courses’ range from two to five days in duration. All of them take place at The Survey School in Worcester. Students who enrol on a course will be sent instructions ahead of the time, to allow them to prepare before they attend.  As part of each package, hot and cold drinks are included in the course fee, although accommodation and lunch are not provided. 

Short courses for a long career

These short courses provide insightful, concise guides to specific areas of surveying. These range from surveying and engineering courses, to utility mapping and digital construction software. The pricing structure is three tiered – for Chartered Institute of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) members, TSA members or technicians who are not members of any association or professional body. Those wishing to attend may have limited experience of surveying, or already have qualifications and practical knowledge. They are also ideal for those who wish to reacquaint themselves with modern methods and equipment, if they have had a period outside the profession.

The available courses are as follows. All dates are for 2025:

GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System)

This course is two days, beginning on 26 August. It offers a combination of background information and hands-on experience of GNSS technology. The material is presented using a combination of PowerPoint presentation, discussions and practical workshops. The cost is £695, but CICES members pay £625 and TSA members only £495.

5-day Surveying Course

Commencing on 2 June, 1 September or 15 December, this course is designed to give surveyors and engineers a good grounding in the principles and practical application of site surveying. The course is aimed at an assistant or junior surveyor, who is starting to carry out their own small surveys and requires more theoretical and practical training. This costs £1215, with CICES members paying £1095 and TSA members only £880.

AutoCAD for Surveying

Available from 23 June or 8 September, this two-day course, run in association with Technical BIM Studio, is specifically aimed at new and current AutoCAD users in the geospatial profession. The price is £755, with a reduction to £680 for CICES members and £550 for TSA members.

Setting Out for Engineering Surveying

Beginning on either 30 Jun or 10 November, this five-day course is designed to give engineering graduates and personnel already working in the construction industry experience in the principles, calculations and practical application of site setting-out for more complex situations. Costs are £1215 for industry technicians, £1095 for CICES members and £880 for TSA members.

Utility Mapping Course

This five-day course can commence on either 22 September or 17 November. Run in association with Sygma Solutions Ltd, it is a utility surveyor training course. Attendees can also take the Level 3 certificate in Utility Mapping and Surveying (QCF) concurrently. The cost is £995 (with QCF Level 3 adds £145) while TSA members will pay only £995 (with QCF Level 3 free of charge).

Reality Capture – Revit Fundamentals

Starting on 4 August or 6 October, this two-day course provides a Revit fundamentals course related to reality capture and measured survey modelling. It ranges from project setup, to generating 2D and 3D output from reality capture, or measured survey data. Each course includes up to five hours (for TSA members) and two hours (non-members) post-course telephone technical support per attendee. The price is £755, or £680 for CICES members and £550 for TSA members.

Levelling – Surveying & Setting Out

Commencing on 4 August or 8 December, this course is designed to give Junior Surveyors, engineers and personnel in the surveying and construction industry a basic grounding in the principles and practical application of levelling. The two-day course is aimed at candidates with no previous experience of using levelling equipment. Costs are £540 for non-members, £485 for CICES members and £385 for TSA members.

Total Stations – Surveying & Setting Out

Available to begin on 6 August or 10 December, this three-day course is designed to give Junior Surveyors, engineers and personnel in the surveying and construction industry a good grounding in how to use modern total stations. It’s aimed at new recruits, or staff who have little or no experience of using modern total stations. The cost is £755, or £680 for CICES members and £550 for TSA members.

There are still a few places left on the 2025 dates mentioned above and more detail here on the various courses. To book your place, please email us at office@surveyschool.org.uk or ring on 01905 26329.

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Did you know that The Survey School’s flagship surveying accreditation was created specifically by The Survey Association? TSA’s Surveying Course focuses on developing new entrants into geospatial surveying, or those with some experience of working in the profession, but who have no formal training. It is intended to broaden the student’s practical experience, while also supporting experience gained from their employer. The course is broken down into six two-week blocks, with the next block beginning on 7 July 2025.

On course for success

TSA’s course is the backbone of The Survey School’s work. It is specifically designed to broaden students’ practical experience and supplement theoretical knowledge. The course is broken down into six two-week blocks scheduled over two years. The first block is ‘An Introduction to Surveying and Computations’. The second is ‘Control and Detail Surveying’, block three deals with ‘Projections, Grids and GNSS’, block four is ‘Measured Building and Specialist Surveys’ and five covers ‘Construction and Engineering Surveys’. The final block is ‘Survey Management and Computer Processing’. TSA’s course runs alongside the ProQual Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Surveying. This provides successful candidates with a recognised qualification and standard that is acknowledged by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). 

Shared knowledge

As the course progresses and the students’ experience and knowledge grow, the blocks reflect a broader spectrum of subjects to be covered in greater depth. Theory is taught as an aid to understanding the principles behind the practical application of surveying in a real working environment. The maths skills that are taught as part of the course are relevant to the practical applications in each block. An emphasis is placed on students thinking through problems for themselves. They are also encouraged to share their experiences and methods of working. As a whole, this will contribute to their body of knowledge and be of mutual benefit to all the fellow students in their block. This approach ensures that knowledge is shared and that practical examples are provided for surveying methods and tasks.

Practical solutions

Assignments form part of this process too. At the end of blocks one to five, each student’s employer will be provided with details of the ‘work experience’ assignment tasks. Students should complete these assignments prior to commencing the next block. The marked assignments are an integral part of the course, reinforcing what has been learnt and leading to further development. In this way, students will learn how to think like a surveyor and apply theoretical knowledge to find practical solutions. 

There’s much more information on the course and the Survey School on its website, including a downloadable brochure outlining the course components in much greater detail. Why not get in touch and join the next block of students on 7 July? 

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With National Apprenticeship Week 2025 (NAW 2025) taking place from 10 – 16 February this year, it seems a good time to look at the crucially important role that apprenticeships have in upskilling the next generation of workers looking for a career within the land surveying profession.

Benefits of apprenticeships

There are apprenticeships for so many different types of careers these days. As land surveying is a very hands-on and practical profession, apprenticeships provide a very important route into it. The apprentices benefit from the advantage of earning while they are learning – and the learning combines attendance at a college (either day release or block release), with working for an employer – including time on site, as well as in the office. 

While there are some things where the classroom environment is best, many of the practicalities and intricacies of the profession can be better explained – or rather shown – in a real-life environment, which makes an apprenticeship the obvious solution. Apprentices will work with experienced surveyors, who share their knowledge and expertise, ensuring it is not lost in the generational shift.

The Level 3 Geospatial Survey Technician apprenticeship and the Level 6 Geospatial Mapping and Science Specialist degree apprenticeship and both perfectly suited to land survey companies, with content developed by a group of employers to suit their needs.

The WIFM factor

In return, the ‘what’s in it for me’ (WIFM) factor for employers, is the opportunity to be able to help shape their apprentices to meet the needs of their particular organisation, instilling the culture and the processes from the start. Providing an apprenticeship place will also breed loyalty with the apprentice – and even if they go on to work elsewhere, they will always remember the company that gave them their first taste of the profession.

NAW 2025

National Apprenticeship Week is a week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy. The Department for Education has announced that the theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2025 is ‘Skills For Life’. The skills gap is something the land surveying profession is very aware of and a key objective of The Survey Association is that, ‘every young person should know about land surveying as a career’.

For more information on NAW 2025 visit https://naw.appawards.co.uk/ and to find out more about opportunities within the land surveying profession, visit https://www.tsa-uk.org.uk/.

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This appointment has been made closely following the relocation of TSA’s headquarters to TSS’s site in Worcester, bringing these important functions closer together, to maximise efficiencies and to facilitate collaborative working further.

Having worked in HR locally in Worcester and Malvern for many years, Donna White-Bower joins TSA and TSS with a wealth of expertise in effectively implementing processes and procedures and in team management. She is really looking forward to making this role her own.

Donna says,

“Having the opportunity to step into this new role is very exciting. I’m getting up to speed rapidly with  everything I need to know about both organisations. I’m looking forward to developing my relationship with the Council, Secretariat and members and especially to meeting as many members as possible at events planned over the coming months.”

A big part of Donna’s office manager role will be oversight of TSA’s membership application process, along with TSS course bookings and TSA event bookings too.

Commented TSA’s CEO, Rachel Tyrrell,

“Donna’s appointment is the next step in TSA and The Survey School’s evolution. The Survey School has long been a vital part of TSA’s DNA. This new role makes the close working relationship closer than ever. We are thrilled to bring on board Donna, who has so much relevant experience and will have many great ideas to make sure we are providing an efficient, friendly and dynamic service.”

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As rewarding as attending these events can be, as a member of TSA, you can enjoy member benefits of so much more. Membership of TSA brings industry-wide recognition and means you can stay up-to-date with all the latest professional insights, guidance, and new technologies in the geospatial sector.

Free of charge training events

As part of helping member companies cope with the demands of running a successful and sound business, we offer an annual health and safety update, always free of charge to members, allied with popular wellbeing sessions. In addition, we hold business improvement seminars, recently having covering topics such as effective marketing for member companies and making your business more sustainable.

Business support, a big part of our member benefits

As a TSA member, you can access a business support line for help and advice on all kinds of HR issues, health and safety matters and commercial legal advice too. You can also access discounts on a range of other products and services. These include discounts on RTK/ DGPS Licences for both Leica and Trimble, while Topcon offers members a discount on its TopNet licences. Datatag also has a bespoke equipment security system offering for TSA to protect valuable surveying equipment.

The Surveying School, our own training centre

Setting high standards is absolutely key to everything we do at TSA and technical training is an essential part of maintaining professional integrity. Members can enjoy up to 50% discount on all surveying courses at The Survey School. As well as a number of short courses, such as utility mapping and total stations, scheduled throughout the year, our two-year long TSA Surveying Course is also run on a rolling schedule, with several opportunities to sign up within a year. The next TSA Surveying Course, number 67, will start in February, and is open for applications now. Contact office@surveyschool.org.uk for more information.

For more information about member benefits ….

Invaluable resources on our website include TSA’s jobs board, where member companies can exclusively advertise job adverts, totally free of charge. So whether you are looking for a senior surveyor, a mobile mapping expert or a trainee, by advertising on TSA’s website you can be sure of reaching an enormous network of potential candidates.

Over 215 companies are now members of TSA, including a growing number of educational establishments joining as academic members. If your organisation is already a member, make sure you are using your membership to its fullest extent.  One of the best ways is to use your membership category logo – add it to absolutely everything!  Download it from the Members Area of the website.

Go to https://www.tsa-uk.org.uk/membership/ to find out. If you are not yet a member, please visit https://www.tsa-uk.org.uk/join-the-survey-association/ to find out how to join us.

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For the first time, as well as being held on a Friday, this year’s event will incorporate The Survey School’s annual Awards Day. We are very pleased to be welcoming this year’s graduates who will be presented with their awards and certificates for completing TSA Surveying Courses 59,60 and 61. We will also be announcing the winners of the Most Improved Student Award, the Best Assignment Award and the Best Student Award.

Championing a better business: our keynote speaker

Our keynote speaker, back by popular demand, is Sir Clive Woodward OBE, former rugby union player and a World Cup-winning coach for England, now a renowned sport and business consultant. Sir Clive was our keynote speaker at our 2022 conference, where his talk, ‘The DNA of a Champion’ resonated with many delegates. Following that event, Sir Clive also delivered six online training sessions to Members. We are delighted to be welcoming him back once more and look forward to him sharing more of his professional expertise and valuable insights.

Clive’s focus will be on how to create One Team – a culture in which your staff, and therefore your survey business, can flourish.  There will be the opportunity to work in groups as part of this interactive session, feeding ideas and asking for feedback from Clive.  Don’t miss it!

Thunderbirds are go!

Once the morning’s formalities are over, there will still be plenty of time to enjoy lunch, network and explore the delights of the British Motor Museum, which tells the story of the birth, decline and rebirth of the motor industry. The incredible exhibition includes famous makes such as Morgan, Lotus, Triumph, McLaren and Aston Martin and a huge array of particularly renowned models, such as the Land Rover Defender used in the opening sequence of the James Bond Skyfall movie, the bubble gum pink FAB 1 from Thunderbirds and many more.

Offset emissions from delegate travel to event

Sustainability remains an important issue for us all and the British Motor Museum has partnered with Tree-V to enable us to carbon offset the miles travelled to the venue, by up to 100 miles per delegate.

We hope to see as many Members as possible at this year’s Conference & Awards event and look forward to welcoming faces old and new.

If you would like to attend, don’t forget to check your emails and click on the registration link. Please get in touch by 28th October 2024 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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