RPS Geospatial Surveyors Graduate from acclaimed TSA Course

TSA’s Surveying Course

The TSA’s Surveying Course was created specifically for the development of new entrants into the Geomatics profession, or those with experience but no formal training. It is intended to broaden the students’ practical experience and to augment the theoretical experience gained from RPS. 

The RPS Geomatics department covers a wide range of jobs including total station work, scanning and drone flying to collect and analyse rich data related to locations on the earth’s surface. RPS has supported the Surveyors as they progress in their professional development and expand their skill set, enabling them to deliver more accurate data and a better service to RPS clients.

How our team found the course

What's involved?

The TSA Course stretches two years long, covering 6 different modules of learning areas with marked exams at the end of each module. These include Basic Surveying & Mathematics, Control & Detail Surveying, Projections & Grids, GNSS Surveying, and Photogrammetry.

Jennifer Berrill has been at RPS now for over 5 years, starting as an Assistant Land Surveyor. With no experience of Land Surveying, she has worked hard to become a Land Surveyor. ”I expressed my interest to my managers about the course as I believed it was going to be a massive building block for me for my career in Land Surveying. I had read up about the course and knew that this was going to greatly increase my knowledge in all areas of surveying.”

Patrick continues, emphasising the rigorous nature of the course.

“You’re always busy. It’s quite intensive and you’re in the zone for its entire duration. You’re thinking about nothing else, but doing the work and getting it done correctly and to the best of your knowledge”

As both the course and the RPS Surveyors experience progress in the course, a broader spectrum of subjects is covered in greater depth. Theory is taught to aid in comprehending and understanding the principles behind the practical application of their skills. Patrick is proud of what he has achieved and eager to share what he has learnt. ”The course taught me to always take notes, and be sure. It taught me to constantly check and double-check when I’m on the field or my desk.  But most importantly, it helped me understand how important it is to be safe.”

Jennifer aims to pass on her acquired knowledge as well, having been at both ends of the career spectrum. ”I hope to be able to use the core skills that I have learnt during my time on the course, to both improve my work and also help the new Juniors & Assistants that are coming up through our work pathways in theirs. I was once in their position with little to no experience within this industry, and now with the knowledge gained from the TSA, I feel a lot more equipped to provide them with help and assistance in a variety of areas.”

The participants also plan to pursue a ProQual Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Surveying. This provides a successful candidate with a recognised qualification and standard which is recognised by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme.