TAFE NSW graduate Nick Baran is quickly achieving success in the surveying industry, a sector that is facing a huge shortfall in skilled professionals.
Baran is putting to use the practical skills and knowledge of modern technology he acquired during his studies to help enhance Sydney’s transport infrastructure.
Jobs and Skills Australia estimates the number of surveyors will grow by about 9,300 jobs over the decade to 2033.
TAFE NSW is delivering a pipeline of workers to meet this industry demand through its Certificate III in Surveying and Spatial Information Services, Certificate IV in Spatial Information Services (Surveying), and the Diploma of Surveying.
Baran studied those courses after his schoolteacher alerted him to the growing demand for surveyors.
“When one of my teachers explained what surveyors do and how integral their role is, it ignited a curiosity in me and I decided to follow that career,” Baran said.
“I’ve always learnt better by doing hands-on tasks. Knowing that TAFE NSW would provide me with the practical skills I needed to kickstart my career, I enrolled in their courses and haven’t looked back.
“The surveying trade is evolving with new technology and equipment, like drones and laser scanners, becoming more commonplace. TAFE NSW gave me a strong understanding of the basics of these as well as the older techniques, which has been invaluable when using the modern automated equipment.”
TAFE NSW Spatial Information and Surveying Teacher, Vito Zec, said providing students with industry-current skills was key.
“With the construction industry booming, the role of surveyors in assessing and getting building projects started has become even more important,” Zec said. “TAFE NSW is delivering a pipeline of workers to the sector, providing them with the practical skills they need to get the job they want and do it well.
“Nick’s journey highlights how studying at TAFE NSW can help launch a successful career in surveying.”
After graduation, Baran worked for a private company, and then six months later landed a job working for Transport for NSW on infrastructure projects across Sydney.
He has recently been promoted to act in Engineer Surveyor roles, which involves managing projects, and recently finished work on sites at Granville and on the M4 and has just started working on a job at Auburn.
“I love my role and the variety it presents, with a good mix of indoor and outdoor tasks. It provides the best of both worlds,” he said.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the education TAFE NSW gave me, and the practical skills and confidence I developed to successfully launch my career. The support my teachers provided was invaluable and opened doors for me into the industry.
“I’m trying to gain as much experience as I can while working at Transport for NSW and be involved in as many different projects as possible. I want to be an excellent all-rounder surveyor and continue to learn and develop as much as I can.”
