Geospatial survey technician
Level 3 · AdvancedConstruction and the built environment 2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
The Geospatial Survey Technician apprenticeship at Level 3 trains you to use surveying instruments and software to measure and map the land, buildings, and underground infrastructure that society depends on. You will work outdoors and in the office, processing survey data to produce accurate drawings and datasets for construction, utilities, and engineering projects. It can lead to higher-level geospatial or surveying apprenticeships and technician membership of relevant professional bodies.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Using total stations, GPS, and level instruments
Processing field data into drawings and digital models
Coordinate systems and map projections
Health and safety on construction and survey sites
GIS and CAD software basics
Checking data quality and identifying measurement errors
Communicating survey results to engineering teams
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Set up and operate surveying equipment on site
Record measurements and log data accurately
Download and process raw field data in the office
Produce survey drawings and digital terrain models
Mark out site boundaries and setting-out points
Carry out utility mapping and underground surveys
Follow site health and safety procedures at all times
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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