Leeds College launches course to boost construction careers

Leeds College of Building is launching a ‘Methods of Land & Civil Surveying’ course to help boost careers in the construction industry.

Commencing in January 2022, the new surveying programme was created by a specialist team at the College in conjunction with the national awarding body, Pearson. Students will gain a BTEC certificate for surveying practice units (Levels 4 and 5) and a certificate of achievement awarded by the College.

The programme is suited to anyone already working in a technical role or who has a requirement to carry out surveying duties but no formal training. It is also a suitable entry point for those seeking a career change, engineering apprentices and technical assistants, or school leavers.

David Riby, lecturer in surveying at Leeds College of Building, said: “This is an exciting new area for the College. Over the years, we have noticed a real need for a formal qualification for those who already carry out surveying or technical roles but who have ‘learnt on the job.’

“Many of the students I see fit in this category, and so their only option is usually an HNC/HND qualification route. Instead, the content of this programme is based on two BTEC Level 4 and 5 surveying units, giving them an alternative learning route.”

Applications are now open. The programme will be delivered over one academic year at the Leeds College of Building South Bank Campus in Hunslet, Leeds. Students will attend for one day per week for a total of 20 weeks, and applicants should possess a minimum GCSE grade C in mathematics and English.

David Riby continued: “The course will begin with an introduction to the field of surveying and the service it provides throughout the construction life cycle. Surveying requires confident use of equipment, and so the course delivery is focused on practical surveying activity and instrument training.

“Students will be introduced to industry-standard software packages and trained on specific aspects of workflow - introduction to AutoCad, GNSS processing and transformations, and point cloud registration and uses of data.

“Surveyors work in technologically advanced, specialist roles, playing a vital part in a range of civil engineering and construction projects. We’re really excited to offer this much-needed qualification to formalise practical experience and enthusiasm, and help boost the careers of more sought-after construction specialists.”

Career opportunities on completion of the course include the surveying of land, civil, rail, construction and mining sectors where there is high demand for recruitment. Further study could also include geospatial techniques, utility surveying and Graphical Information Systems (GIS), and degree-level qualifications.

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