In short, YES! There’s never been a better time to study surveying. Graduates can feel confident in finding work and enjoying a secure and lasting career.
Industry Findings
In Australia, there have been ongoing attempts to address the skills shortage in the surveying industry. In March 2019, a new report ‘Determining the Future Demand, Supply and skills Gap for Surveying and Geospatial Professionals 2018-2028’ from BIS Oxford Economics offered the most up-to-date figures on the profession for some time. It forecasts a shortage of surveyors across Australia, which means increased job opportunities for students considering a career in surveying over the next 10 years.
Australian Data
In Australia there are currently 8,172 various surveying professionals in the country – including cadastral, building, mining and engineering surveyors, as well as registered/licensed surveyors. However, there is demand for 9,125 surveyors. This means we need 953 more surveyors to meet the current labour requirements.
Of these surveying professionals, there is estimated to be a workforce gap of 297 registered/licensed surveyors. Clearly that suggests a lot of opportunities for students entering the field of surveying studies.
Whilst, due to industry demand and workplace entries, the workforce gap is forecast to narrow in upcoming years, it will fluctuate again into the future.
The Good Education Group Findings
Higher graduate salary and excellent job prospects are just two reasons surveying is a career path secondary students should take note of. According to The Good Education Group, which publishes The Good Careers Guide, surveying has the fourth highest average starting salary at $60,049 compared with the national average of $52,840.
Graduate surveyors are also among the most likely to be employed straight out of university, with the third highest employment rate at 78%.
Good Education Group data manager Ross White said science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) graduates are in high demand because they have specialised and transferable skills and there are less people entering these fields.
If you’re science, maths, engineering or technology inclined, consider a career where you will have an impact on the world while enjoying great pay and job opportunities. You can find out more here.