Students from across the New England and North West region will have the opportunity to learn about one of Australia’s most important, yet often overlooked, professions when the inaugural Armidale Surveying Careers Day is held at the University of New England’s Bellevue Grandstand Oval on Thursday, 18 June 2026.
Following the success of annual Surveying Careers Day events previously held in Tamworth, organisers have restructured the program to improve access for regional students. The event will now alternate annually between Tamworth and Armidale, enabling more Year 10 to Year 12 students from across the region to explore career opportunities in surveying.
More than 60 students from Armidale, Inverell and surrounding communities are expected to attend. The event will highlight the diverse and rewarding career pathways available within the surveying industry.
Surveying combines technology, geography, history, mathematics and problem-solving, offering a mix of fieldwork and office-based technology and design. Surveyors play a critical role in construction, infrastructure and land development projects across Australia.
Despite its importance, surveying remains one of Australia’s lesser-known professions and is experiencing a significant skills shortage as many experienced practitioners approach retirement. The shortage is creating strong employment opportunities for young people considering future career pathways.
Career options within the industry include:
- Survey assistants and field hands
- Survey technicians
- Drafters and data management specialists
- Engineering surveyors
- Registered land surveyors
Organisers have also welcomed growing interest from female students in surveying and geospatial careers.
Students attending the event will take part in a range of hands-on activities designed and delivered by practising surveyors. Activities will provide opportunities to use surveying equipment, learn about emerging technologies, and speak directly with industry professionals about their career experiences, study pathways and employment opportunities.
The day will conclude with a live drone demonstration showcasing the rapidly evolving technology now being used throughout the profession.
Event program and details
Thursday, 18 June 2026
Bellevue Grandstand Oval, University of New England (UNE), Armidale
9am–2.30pm
9.00am–10.15am
Welcome session, industry overview and career pathways
10.15am–10.45am
Morning tea
10.45am–1.00pm
Activities 1–4 (approximately 40 minutes per activity)
1.00pm–1.30pm
Lunch
1.30pm–2.00pm
Live drone demonstration and event close
The Armidale Surveying Careers Day aims to inspire the next generation of surveyors while raising awareness of an industry that underpins Australia’s infrastructure and built environment.
For students interested in geography, history, technology, mathematics and working outdoors, surveying offers a diverse and rewarding career path with strong employment prospects.
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