Ambassador Spotlight ‘Ciaran Laverty’

Welcome to Ciaran Laverty from Northern Ireland, UK:

Where did you study? I studied in Ireland at Ulster University Jordanstown, Belfast. My degree was a BSc Construction Engineering and Management and I achieved a 2.1. I am always looking into new ways to learn and improve my knowledge base. As they say, every day you learn something new is a good day.

What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area? I believe there aren’t any black and white requirements. You do need to have a basic understanding and enjoy working outside. You can do further learning to help improve your knowledge and to contribute to professional registration with a chartership. 

How did you get into surveying? In all honesty, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do even when I started my University degree. It was only when I started in the industry that I learned just how enjoyable it could be. You are constantly meeting new people and experiencing new locations so every day really is a different day. 

How long have you been in the industry? I graduated University in 2018 but I have been involved in the construction/surveying industry since 2016. It is a fast paced industry and my first day on site in 2016 feels like it was yesterday!

Are you part of any associations or organisations you would like us to mention? I am currently working towards CICES and RICS membership.

Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? There aren’t enough people doing their best to promote surveying and the geospatial industry. When I seen GKiS I automatically knew I wanted to join as an ambassador and play my part in promoting the industry. When I was making the decision to choose a career path, I didn’t know much about the industry and I want to help change that to get younger people into surveying as early as possible. I also believe that we need to educate and attract more people to the industry to help with the on-going skills shortage. 

Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? It’s important because we need to have future surveyors. I don’t believe that enough people are choosing surveying as a career path due to lack of knowledge and not being introduced to it. Surveyors and engineers will always be needed no matter how much the industry advances in terms of technology therefore it is vital that we are always attracting people to the industry. 

What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? I plan on doing whatever I can do try and promote the surveying and geospatial industry. I plan on starting a YouTube channel for my business and use that platform along with my Instagram and Facebook to socially promote the industry. When COVID is no longer an issue, I want to organise with local schools both in Ireland and the UK where we operate to introduce the younger generation to the industry. 

What are your hobbies? I am really interested in drones for outdoor landscape photos and videos. I love playing golf and enjoy most other sports. 

If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? A Matrice 300 RTK drone with a LiDAR sensor

What poster or resource would you like to see next from GKiS? A poster showing the power and level of detail that can be captured using drones and other survey methods. 

Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? I think its very important for us all to work together in raising awareness and helping to Get Kids Into Surveying by sharing our experiences and stories with each other through social media platforms, blogs and even YouTube!