Welcoming Ben Nobelius our latest Brand Ambassador from Victoria, Australia!
Where did you study? RMIT (Melbourne)
What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area? To be a Licensed Surveyor one needs a 4 year degree in an accredited university course (there are only 3 available) and the successful completion of a Professional Training Agreement – administered by the Registration Board of Victoria and takes an average of 5 years to complete. (Throughout the process work experience days are also required).
How did you get into surveying? My father is a now non-practising Licensed Surveyor, and started his own company when I was 12. Before this he worked for the Gas & Fuel (Government Corporation) whilst doing his own private surveys on weekends. I’ve worked with him and then in the family business for as long as I can remember (child labour!) and took over the Managing Director role when I was 28 (9.5 years ago).
How long have you been in the industry? All my life!
Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention? Institute of Surveyors Victoria Association of Consulting Surveyors
Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? We are one of the most educated and relied upon professions. Surveying underpins the countries most valuable resource – land/property. Our importance goes largely unknown and the best way to increase our profile is to educate the next generation. Furthermore there is a critical shortage of Licensed Surveyors in Victoria, we need to educate and encourage kids to take up a career in our industry.
What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? We have already attended careers fairs at local high schools (pre covid) and plan on providing a talk/info session for primary school kids this term (along side using your lesson plans from the website for the teachers). We believe strongly in the ethos of GKiS and will continue to promote all that you do on our soicals and in person. For the last 3 years we have provided a scholarship for a child transition from a (government) primary school to high school. I came through the public system and we want any child to be able to succeed in life, no matter what school they go to. We appreciate the background some kids have may put them at a disadvantage. Therefore we provide all uniform, school fees, books, laptop and the cost of school camp for their first year. Although we don’t expect the children to be a Land Surveyor (we can only hope!) we look for someone who is performing strongly in the STEAM subjects and would benefit from the scholarship to keep them motivated in high school. We find the whole process rewarding although at times quite heartbreaking.
Finally, we take on regular students for work experience and longer placements. We are working with Consulting Surveyors to try and get a pathway to a diploma for our students as none are currently available for them.
If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? I like to play golf and would love to see a golf playing Land Surveyor.
What poster or resource would you like to see next from GKiS? Another Australian Poster. One that address the concerns of subdividing/the environment and bushfire overlays/management plans.
Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? We are a family led business with 3 generations of Nobelius family members having now worked for and with us.