Construcciones Yamaro: How TAFE NSW helped turn drone skills into a surveying career

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How TAFE NSW helped turn drone skills into a surveying career
James Vassallo, TAFE NSW graduate. (Image: TAFE NSW)

Former drone photographer James Vassallo has turned a technical hobby into professional practice after enrolling in the Certificate IV in Surveying and Spatial Information at TAFE NSW.

After building a small drone-photography business alongside his work in photogrammetry, the 24-year-old from Newcastle sought a qualification to elevate his capabilities and unlock new career opportunities.

“I started the course just wanting to upskill for my job in drone mapping,” said Vassallo. “But once I got into it, I realised how broad surveying really is; boundary work, construction, rail, mining, you name it.”

He now works as a survey assistant at DeWitt Consulting in Charlestown on projects including high-rise developments, residential sites and rail infrastructure, while also returning to aerial mapping, the field that first drew him to surveying.

“The TAFE NSW course absolutely paved the way for me to get my current job,” he said. “It gave me the foundation I needed to step into the industry with confidence.”

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Surveying is undergoing technological transformation, and demand for qualified professionals is growing. According to a 2023 report prepared by BIS Oxford Economics for Consulting Surveyors National, there are around 19,000 people working in the surveying and geospatial profession in Australia. However, the research projects a shortfall of more than 2,000 workers in this space by 2029.

TAFE NSW head teacher of civil, surveying and architecture Carla Sheeran said the course is designed to meet this industry demand while preparing graduates for a diverse career.

“Surveying is an essential part of every construction, infrastructure and land development project, but the profession is facing a nationwide skills shortage,” said Sheeran. “At TAFE NSW, we focus on hands-on learning with industry-standard technology, so graduates like James can step straight into the workforce ready to make an impact.”

From drone mapping for topographic surveys to boundary setting and layout work for apartment blocks, Vassallo said the variety of the role is one of his favourite parts.

“Every project is unique,” he said. “There’s always something new to learn. I’m glad I made the switch.”

The post How TAFE NSW helped turn drone skills into a surveying career appeared first on Inside Construction.



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