TSA Conference and Awards Day is the cornerstone of our annual events calendar. Far from being just a formality, it is a significant occasion where successful TSA Surveying Course students, member companies and surveying professionals come together to honour hard work, dedication and excellence in the field.
However, TSA Conference is not just about accolades, it’s also about inspiration. Our special keynote speaker was Mandy Hickson, the trailblazing former Royal Air Force fast-jet pilot and motivational speaker. Drawing on her risk-taking, team and leadership skills Mandy inspired attendees to embrace challenges and think big. In Top Gun, Maverick says “It’s not the plane, it’s the pilot” and the same holds true for surveying. Skill, training and experience matter – people matter.
Completing the surveying course is also no mean feat! We were thrilled that nearly all 29 qualifying students could join us for the day. This included delegates from Sint Maarten in the Caribbean, who regularly travelled to the UK specifically for the excellent training The Survey School provides.
Five students achieved a Distinction this year, with an average 85% or higher in all of their classwork, assignments and exams. The 2025 Best Student Award, jointly sponsored by TSA and Leica Geosystems, was presented to Max Heaton of Centara, both for his exemplary work, attitude and team playing. TSA Vice-President’s Special Recognition Award went to Theodor Suhan, a self-funded student commended for his high standards and unwavering perseverance. Luke Appleton of Archidata received the CICES prize for Best Assignment, achieving a remarkable 100% for his work, commended for its meticulous attention to detail.
The skills and knowledge acquired studying at The Survey School undoubtedly helps equip its students for a bright future career. Many also tell us they have forged friendships that will last a lifetime. The conference day too, provides a platform for survey professionals to come together, share insights and make valuable connections.
“It’s 100% going to improve the quality of my work going forward. It’s a great foundation for any new surveyor – it makes you think about what you do every day from a different angle”
“It’s been great – meeting new surveyors, improving my knowledge and progressing”
“I’d like to keep in touch with The Survey School tutors as they have been a great support network”
TSA Conference and Awards Day is more than a celebration, it’s a pivotal moment for students to reflect on their journey, to network and look forward to a promising future in land surveying.
We are dedicated to continually reviewing and modernising our course offerings to ensure Survey School students are not only well-prepared, but excel in the ever-evolving landscape of surveying.