Developing Futures in Surveying with Vision Academy

When Ryan Barr first joined Vision Surveys in 2011, surveying wasn’t on his radar. Fresh out of school, he applied for a junior draftsman role without qualifications or even a clear idea of what the job involved.

“I had to ask my dad what a surveyor even did” Ryan recalls.

What Ryan found was a team ready to back him. He was paired with a senior surveyor who answered every question and gave him the chance to learn in the field. That hands-on mentoring planted the seed for what would later grow into the Vision Academy, a program that is now shaping the next generation of surveying talent.

More than a decade on, Ryan leads the Brisbane office and mentors cadets through the same program that started from stories like his.

“It wasn’t called the Academy back then but the idea was the same. Learn by doing. Ask questions. Make mistakes and get better. Having someone in your corner early on makes all the difference.”

Building capability for the industry

The Vision Academy is a two-year training program that takes cadets from their first day in the field to associate-level surveyors. The program is structured in three-month blocks with clear milestones, balancing observation with practical learning.

At first cadets spend time shadowing experienced surveyors before gradually taking on more responsibility. Each stage builds their skills and confidence until they are ready to lead projects with support. By the end of the program cadets are prepared to complete the Surveying Associate Competency Assessment with the Surveyors Board Queensland, earning a recognised qualification and practical experience without needing a university degree.

For cadets like Mikey and Oliver, this program is more than training. It is a pathway into a career many would never have considered.

Vision Surveys CEO Dave Wilson says the Academy is a direct response to industry need.

“We recognised the shortage of surveyors early on so we created our own program to bring school leavers into Vision and the industry. The Academy not only gives us skilled employees it also develops the future leaders of our business.”

A culture of support

For Ryan the Academy is about more than technical training. It is about creating an environment where people are supported to succeed.

“You’re not expected to know everything. That’s the point of the program. You’ve got people here who want to see you do well,” he says.

That culture is reflected in Ryan’s own journey. After several years at Vision he left to work in the mines before returning in 2021 for better balance and more time with his young family. Now he is building the careers of others, mentoring cadets at different stages and helping them navigate both work and life.

“There’s a real understanding here that people have lives outside of work. Whether it’s starting early for school pick up or going camping on the weekend the flexibility is there if you need it,” Ryan says.

Why it matters

Surveying is one of those professions that many students never hear about at school yet it plays a critical role in shaping the communities we live in. From new housing estates to major infrastructure projects, surveyors provide the data and insight that bring plans to life.

Without a clear pathway many people would never discover it as a career. The Vision Academy changes that. By creating structured opportunities, it opens the door for more people to enter the profession, helping to address national skills shortages and giving individuals a chance to build lasting careers.

Dave Wilson believes it is also about inspiring awareness beyond the business.

“It’s important to show the community what surveyors do and the role we play every day. Surveying is a diverse career. You can spend your life outdoors travelling the world or in an office with the air conditioning. The choice is yours. Through Vision Academy we speak at schools and career expos to inspire the next generation and help the industry grow.”

Powered by PeopleIN

The Vision Academy is one example of how Vision Surveys and PeopleIN are creating future talent pipelines across Australia. By providing pathways that combine training, mentoring and real-world experience, we are building stronger workforces and supporting industries to grow.

As Ryan puts it, “You don’t need to have it all figured out. I didn’t. You just need to be open to learning and willing to give it a go. The Academy gives you structure, support and real experience. You get paid while you learn and by the end of it you have options.”

PeopleIN and Vision Surveys are proud to back initiatives like the Vision Academy that create opportunities for people and develop the skills our Australian communities and industries need for the future.