Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE

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Surveyor shortage addressed by new training

Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE in consultation with a local Industry Steering Group has developed a new program specifically designed to address the skill shortage currently experienced by the land development industry.

The new Surveying Technical Assistants Program was developed to meet the needs of the region which is experiencing a shortage of qualified surveyors. The course aims to provide local training for people interested in a surveying career.

Course Coordinator John Carnegie says surveyors play a major role in the land development industry but explains there are diverse directions available for graduates. "Surveyors and technical assistants help police at crime scenes, they predict earthquakes, they use computer imaging and satellites to monitor environmental change, they map the ocean floor and, of course, they tell you where your land ends and your neighbour's begins," he said.

"What's more there aren't enough technical assistants to meet future demand." Mr Carnegie describes a Surveyors job to "transform ideas into plans and plans into reality."

The Certificate III in Spatial Information Services (SIS) is an 18-month course run as a combination of on-and off-the-job training. Participants must be employed within the industry. The course is delivered by recognised experienced surveyors with current experience.

Training consists of a one week block for the initial training and then training in three day blocks thereafter. Campus based training consists of 20 days, spread throughout the year, commencing in March. In addition to class time some assignment work is required to complete the course.

GOTAFE offers Skills Recognition for prospective students who wish to have their skills assessed at this level. For more information on the Skills Recognition process contact the Customer Service Centre on 1300 GOTAFE (468 233) or refer to this website.

Core Units:
- Apply map presentation principles
- Store and retrieve basic spatial data
- Respond to client spatial enquiry
- Collect basic spatial data
- Perform basic spatial computations
- Contribute to workplace safety arrangements
- Read and interpret maps
- Contribute to effective workplace relationships
- Provide first aid
- Prepare for work in the spatial information services industry
- Select, operate and maintain equipment and supplies

Classes commence on 11 March. For more information on Skills Recognition or the course call 1300 GOTAFE (1300 468 233) or visit www.gotafe.vic.edu.au