“Where are they now?” Part 4 of our series featuring former Survey School graduates
I always enjoyed Geography at school but had never heard of surveying until a friend of mine at Jacobs gave me an introduction. Following a summer placement, I then started full time at Jacobs as a Survey Assistant. The combination of outdoor working, technology and computer processing got me hooked on surveying.
I’m a big advocate for learning by doing. I’m not a particularly academic person, so the chance to learn from classroom and practical lessons was invaluable. The Survey School played such a pivotal role in my career, taking someone who was ‘switched off’ to education after a bad experience at school and giving me a subject to get passionate about in a style which suited me down to the ground. I’m forever grateful for that grounding that Mr Crumpler and others provided.
Redundancy. It’s the message I drum into all my staff, you need to be able to prove something is right.
I’m currently in the role of Solutions Lead in our Reality Capture business at Jacobs. This gives me a national focus on marrying our varied projects with the right technology, to ensure data is captured to support an entire project lifecycle. I enjoy showcasing the latest technology to clients and opening their eyes to how geospatial data can add value in many different ways.
Progressive, evolving, enjoyable.
I have a real passion for the survey profession and it has enabled me to do so many different things. As a line manager, I’ve supported a number of my staff through The Surveying Association course and I drive a recruitment strategy which looks to build from the bottom up. I want to give young people the same opportunity I had.
Say ‘yes’ to everything. Too often in life you say no and miss opportunities. It’s better to try and fail than never try at all.
I worked on the M25 Junction 30 upgrade project which saw me managing a range of survey activities over a nine month period. The project involved many sub-contractors and was by far the most complex project I’d been involved in. I had to learn fast and was faced with several situations for the first time.
This project taught me valuable lessons in project management which have helped shape my career. I drive through the junction regularly now the project is complete and am proud of the small contribution I had. Doesn’t every surveyor drive past an old project and say ‘ I surveyed that’? I guess that comes from a place of pride and enjoyment for what we do.
Gaining membership to the CICES.
Sygma Solutions Ltd has recently announced the continuation of its successful programme offering free utility mapping training for young people. This initiative is open to any company employing, or having employed within the last 12 months, a young person under the age of 23.
Following a great response in 2024, the offer is limited to one place per company and spaces are soon snapped-up, so early registration is highly recommended!
After the attendee has gained site experience for a minimum of 12 months, Sygma will also provide:
What’s the catch? None! There are no hidden conditions.
Peter Ashcroft, MD at Sygma said,
“As Sygma approaches our 20th anniversary, we recognise more than ever what we owe to this industry and are committed to supporting the next generation and doing whatever we can to support the profession and raise standards”.
Alan Mansell, Survey School Manager commented,
“Utility Mapping is a crucial skill in various industries. Through this programme, Sygma Solutions Ltd not only benefits young people but also helps businesses grow and adapt to our profession’s needs.”
For more details, please contact, neal.sadd@sygma-solutions.com.