Perspectives on the challenges of delivering a sustainable survey technician training programme in New Zealand

Abstract

The National Diploma in Surveying (NDS) was successfully delivered by Unitec for the first time in 1999 after replacing the New Zealand Certificate in Land Surveying (NZCLS). The ongoing challenge for Unitec has been to maintain the viability of a programme with only 50 equivalent full time students. Ten years on the NDS continues to operate with a steady number of students, however, to increase the sustainability of the programme it is proposed to integrate the first year of study with a New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil) programme with a number of common courses and also specialist land survey papers. In 2011 the updated programme will still be called the National Diploma in Surveying (NDS) and will utilise the latest Version 5 Unit Standards from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). The next phase of the review will assess a number of other options including maintaining the status quo, changing the name to a New Zealand Diploma in Surveying (NZDS) or a New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Surveying), but for all grade based assessment, (e.g. A, B, C) will be utilised and not competency based, (e.g. Pass or Incomplete). Both will include an increased focus on engineering surveying whilst maintaining a cadastral component. This paper details both the challenges and opportunities, and how capacity can be built to provide long-term sustainable technician training for New Zealand. It also will discuss the suitability for international students from countries with similar educational and professional profiles, and opportunities for a 3 year Bachelors degree in Land or Engineering Surveying.