WA Surveying at a Crossroads: Addressing the Skills Shortage in Western Australia

Western Australia’s economy is expanding at pace. From mining and energy projects in the Pilbara, to major infrastructure upgrades across the state, to ongoing urban development in Perth, the scale of activity has created opportunities on a scale not seen in decades.

But growth brings pressure. Research by Surveyors Australia (formerly Consulting Surveyors National) and Oxford Economics forecasts that WA will be short around 1,800 surveyors by 2031- 32. Nationally, demand is expected to exceed supply by more than 2,000 professionals every year by the end of the decade.

For an industry where accuracy and safety depend on expertise, the WA surveying skills shortage is not just a numbers problem; it has real implications for projects, communities, and the future of the state.

Understanding the Shortage

Surveying has always been closely tied to WA’s economic cycles. Today’s shortfall reflects both rising demand and structural challenges.

• Mining and resources: Expansion projects in the Pilbara and Goldfields depend on engineering and geospatial surveyors to keep operations safe, efficient, and compliant.

• Infrastructure investment: Road, rail, and renewable projects all require reliable spatial data, from design set-out to as-constructed documentation.

• Urban development: Subdivision, boundary surveys, and cadastral approvals remain central to housing supply and affordability.

At the same time, many senior surveyors are nearing retirement, training pipelines remain constrained, and competition for talent from other technical fields is growing. The result is a profession under strain: projects risk delays, costs increase, and valuable expertise can be lost without effective succession.

Industry Responses: Building Momentum

Encouragingly, the profession is not standing still. A combination of national advocacy, state programs, and grassroots initiatives are working to strengthen the pipeline of new surveyors.

Surveyors Australia and the Surveyors Academy

At a national level, Surveyors Australia has sharpened its focus on workforce development. The Surveyors Academy provides structured training pathways and a clearer route into the profession, aiming to make surveying more accessible and attractive for students and mid-career entrants.

WAIS and Women in Surveying

Closer to home, the WA Institution of Surveyors (WAIS) continues to play a leading role in addressing the WA surveying skills shortage. Its Women in Surveying program is raising the profile of women in the profession and building more inclusive pathways. Initiatives such as networking breakfasts and mentoring pairings are encouraging a new wave of entrants into what has historically been a male-dominated industry.

Industry Training Alliance (ITA)

The Industry Training Alliance (ITA), supported by Surveyors Australia, is addressing regional gaps by delivering certificates and diplomas in areas where traditional training has been limited or unavailable. This initiative is particularly significant for WA, where access to education is often a barrier for students in remote areas.

Raising Standards Through Accreditations

Certification is another area where professional standards are being strengthened. The WA Institution of Surveyors (WAIS) offers the Certified Practising Surveyor – Engineering (CPS (Eng)) accreditation. In an industry where there is currently no barrier or qualification standard to practise as an engineering surveyor, this certification helps identify those with advanced skills. While take-up across the broader industry is still limited, RM Surveys has encouraged eligible surveyors to seek accreditation as a way of providing clients with confidence that their projects are delivered by highly skilled professionals.

Together, these efforts represent important steps towards a stronger profession- but the challenge is far from over.

A Shared Responsibility

RM Surveys’ Role: Perpetuating the Profession

At RM Surveys, we see industry perpetuation as a shared responsibility. For more than 30 years, our business has grown by nurturing surveyors, supporting education, and contributing to the broader profession.

Mentoring and Knowledge Transfer

We participate actively in mentoring programs that connect early-career surveyors with experienced professionals. These relationships are vital for transferring skills and building the confidence required to take on complex projects.

Academic Collaboration

Our partnership with Curtin University helps bridge the gap between academic training and industry practice. Through adjunct involvement and curriculum support, we help ensure students are prepared for the realities of the workplace.

The Futures Program

Our Futures Program is designed to create structured pathways into surveying. By offering hands-on placements and career guidance, it provides students and career changers with practical entry points into the industry.

These initiatives are not about visibility- they are about continuity. By helping new professionals succeed, we help ensure that surveying in WA remains resilient and future-focused.

Looking Ahead

The skills shortage facing WA surveying is significant, but it is not insurmountable. Momentum is building through stronger training pathways, diversity initiatives, and grassroots involvement.

At RM Surveys, we will continue to play our part in combatting the WA surveying skills shortage. Through mentoring, partnerships, and structured programs, we aim to support the next generation of surveyors while ensuring today’s projects are delivered with the accuracy and reliability clients expect.

Surveying is more than a technical service- it is about people, communities, and the future of our state. By working together, the profession can ensure WA has the capability it needs to grow with confidence.