In an exciting development for the field of surveying and geospatial industries, Topcon Positioning Systems has announced its reinforced commitment to nurturing future talents by becoming the sole sponsor of the Global Brand Ambassador Hub, a pivotal part of the Get Kids into Survey (GKiS) project. This initiative aims to spark interest in surveying among young students by introducing them to the possibilities within these tech-forward and dynamic career paths.

Launched in 2017 by Elaine Ball, Get Kids into Survey began as a simple yet innovative approach to engage children with the world of surveying through a captivating poster. The idea was to demystify the profession, often invisible to the public eye yet foundational to much of our daily lives, from the development of new buildings to the management of natural resources. The project has since grown exponentially, reaching more than 30 countries with its message and inspiring the next generation.

The partnership with Topcon, a global leader in precision measurement and workflow solutions, marks a significant step forward for GKiS. The Ambassador Hub that Topcon is sponsoring will serve as an invaluable resource center for Brand Ambassadors worldwide. These volunteers, who visit schools and participate in educational fairs, will now have access to a wide array of high-quality materials and activities designed to engage and inform young minds about the exciting opportunities that await in surveying and geospatial careers.

Critical to this sponsorship is the introduction of a unique GKiS cartoon character, Yumi the Wildcat Survey Ninja, who embodies the spirit of adventure and innovation that surveying brings. Yumi, representing Topcon’s commitment to the project, will play a key role in bringing the world of surveying to life for students, embodying the skill, precision, and creativity that are hallmarks of the profession.

This initiative comes at a crucial time for the industry. Recent research conducted by Topcon highlighted a pressing skills shortage in the construction and surveying sectors across Europe, exacerbated by an aging workforce and a dwindling influx of new talent. Nearly a third of construction managers cited this gap as a significant hurdle, underscoring the urgent need for initiatives like GKiS that aim to attract and educate future professionals.

Michael Gomes, VP of sustainability and global CSR at Topcon, emphasized the importance of this project, noting that the industries “are suffering from a critical shortfall in the skills-based workforce, which limits growth.” He added that increasing awareness and understanding of surveying as a career path is essential for the sustained prosperity of these vital sectors.

Elaine Ball, co-founder of Get Kids into Survey, expressed gratitude for Topcon’s continued support, which has been instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of the project. The Ambassador Hub, she noted, will equip volunteers with top-notch resources to advocate effectively for the surveying profession.

As Get Kids into Survey and Topcon forge ahead with their mission, the future of surveying and geospatial industries looks brighter, promising a new era of innovation and discovery powered by the next generation of talented professionals. For more information on how to get involved or learn about the exciting world of surveying, visit the Get Kids into Survey and Topcon websites.