Building Surveying - Addressing the skills shortage

Update: 10 October 2011

Since the first workshop held to identify issues surrounding shortages in the Building Surveying profession, a 'Building Surveying Training Working Group' has been established. This group includes representation from private and municipal Building Surveyors and Inspectors, the Building Commission and Registered Training Organisations.

Members of the group include:

• Lisa Connery, AIBS
• Jeanette Gauge, Engage
• Ashley Hansen, VMBSG
• Dallas Jones, Ballarat University
• Lou Pegorin, Holmesglen Institute
• Noel Ryan, The Gordon
• Vicky Samargis, Building Commission
• Kevin Skauge, AIBS
• Russell Stork, Chisholm
• Christopher Watson, MBS Latrobe City Council
• Steven Green, Building Commission
• Jane Clancy, BICCIAB
• Yyonne Miller, AIBS
• Sara Wilkinson, Melbourne University

The aim of the group is to address the four key building surveying training issues and develop a strategy for the industry to implement. The Building Advisory Council will be advised on the progress of the group.

The group will meet for the next 6 months addressing each issue to then develop an industry strategy by the end of 2011.

The first action by the group was to request the AIBS to assist in sending out a communication calling for Building Surveyors who were interested in teaching. This was to address the dire need for experienced Building Surveyors to become involved in their local TAFE or University. If you are interested in further information on this issue visit the Building Commission's website here.

The four key issues have been investigated further and the working group have documented issues impacting on the industry and began to identify actions to mitigate the skills crisis. A comprehensive Workforce Development strategy is required and action is being taken to promote this initiative to Skills Victoria. It is vital that the group focus on actions and outcomes that will impact positively on the 'four key issues'.

There has also been signficant interest from training providers and the establishment of a teaching network group in this area is also being discussed.

The next meeting is in mid October, for further information contact Jane or Vicky on the details at the end of this article.

First article 17 May 2011

Leaders in the Building Surveying profession gathered at the Building Commission on the 17th of May 2011 to examine the issues affecting their industry. Led by Vicky Samargis, Education and Training Services Officer, the discussion primarily focused on identifying if traineeships are a suitable training delivery option for Building Surveying and Building Inspector qualifications. 

Over 50 stakeholders attended the workshop, with representatives from the AIBS, municipal and private Building Surveyors, training providers, the state government, industry advisory bodies and the regulator.

Briefly, the four key issues identified include:

• Style of delivery and learning location
• Shortage of Building Surveyor teachers
• Attracting and retaining quality people
• Registration of Building Surveyors and Inspectors.

A Building Surveying Training Workshop has been formed to address these issues and develop strategies that will aim to impact positively on the training environment and industry itself.

Thanks go to Geoff Foster (Skills Victoria) and Lou Perogrin (Holmesglen) for providing us with valuable information on the options available to industry.

For the outcomes of the day please click here.

If you would like to review Vicky's presentation click here (.zip file 1.8MB).

If you would like further information on traineeships from Skills Victoria click here.

This website will follow the progress of the working group and BICCIAB looks forward to the benefits of a collaborative approach to moving the industry forward.

If you would like further information please contact:

Jane Clancy, Project Manager at BICCIAB via email or phone: 0411 843 817, or

Vicky Samargis, Education and Training Services Officer, Building Commission via email or phone: 96189299.