Staking out points is the part most people recognise. It is also the part that is easiest to demonstrate on a short course. However, most issues on site do not arise from the staking out itself. If the control is correct, staking out will be accurate.
The problem is that it is possible to learn how to set out points without properly understanding the control that those points depend on.
You should check whether the training also covers:
Knowing how to use a total station is only part of the requirement. You also need to be able to recognise when something is not right.
Look for:
Some courses provide a broad overview of multiple topics. That can be useful as an introduction, but it can also leave gaps. If you are comparing options, it is worth checking how much depth is given to control, accuracy and verification, not just operation.
There is a distinction between land surveying and construction setting out. Construction focused training should cover:
The type of clients a provider works with can be a useful indicator of how their training is viewed in the industry.
Look at whether they work with a mix of individuals and established companies, and whether those organisations return for further training.
Repeat business from employers often suggests that the training is trusted and aligns with what is expected on site.
Even if you are booking as an individual, it is worth considering providers who are also used by employers, as this can give you a better sense of how the training is recognised in practice.
It is also worth looking at where the training is delivered and how flexible the provider is in terms of location.
Some providers operate from a single base, while others deliver courses in multiple locations. This can be useful if you are trying to find a total station course in your local area, but it can also give some indication of how the training is structured and delivered.
Providers who run courses in different locations may have more experience delivering to a wider range of engineers and projects and may have developed a more flexible delivery model over time.
The quality of the training is closely linked to the experience of the person delivering it.
It is worth considering:
Being experienced on site and being able to teach effectively are not always the same thing.
A good trainer should be able to explain why things are done a certain way, not just demonstrate how.
Most of the real learning happens once you return to site. It is worth considering what support is available when you start applying the training in practice.
Look for providers who offer supporting resources such as a textbook or eLearning, so you have something to refer back to. It is also useful if there is a way to ask technical questions after the course, particularly when you encounter situations that were not covered on the day.
Ongoing support can make a significant difference once you are working in real conditions.
You should look for understanding that transfers across different instruments. A good course should give you principles that apply regardless of the equipment being used.
It is worth paying attention to how the course is being presented and what expectations are being set around the outcome.
If the marketing places a lot of emphasis on high day rates, rapid progression or immediate job opportunities, take a little time to look more closely at what is actually being promised and how realistic it is. Training can be an excellent investment in your career, but it is only one part of a much bigger picture.
The most useful providers tend to be clear about what a course can and cannot do. Good training can build understanding, improve confidence and help put you on the right path, but it should be seen as part of longer-term development.
If you want to see how this is covered in practice, you can view our Total Station training course, where we set out the structure, content and level of detail in full.
We offer open courses in London, Warrington, Glasgow, Birmingham, Leeds and Newcastle and Kildare and can deliver in-house courses anywhere in the UK or Ireland. View our dates and prices here.
