#USA #California #Trimble #Geomatics #Fresno State

Trimble Partners with Fresno State to Combat Surveyor Workforce Shortage

In a progressive move aimed at tackling the increasing labor shortage in the surveying field, Trimble, a global leader in geospatial technology, has joined forces with Fresno State’s Geomatics Engineering Program and California Surveying & Drafting Supply (CSDS). This collaboration signifies a pivotal enhancement in the educational landscape for future surveyors, particularly in California, where The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported a notable decrease in the number of employed surveyors over the past decade.

Enhancing Educational Resources

Trimble has pledged to support Fresno State by supplying advanced geospatial equipment intended to elevate the hands-on training that students receive. The focus is on vital skills in optical surveying, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), and scanning workflows—crucial elements that any aspiring professional in this field must master. This initiative is not just about providing equipment; it is about fostering a learning environment where students can engage actively with current technologies. To facilitate this, Fresno State is set to establish a Trimble Technology Lab by 2026, designed specifically for practical training purposes.

By aligning educational offerings with top-tier technology, Fresno State aims to prepare its students adequately for careers in the geospatial industry. This partnership recognizes the critical need for skilled professionals, especially in a state that heavily relies on advanced technology for numerous projects, from high-speed rail construction to renewable energy installations.

Addressing the Surveyor Shortage

The collaboration comes at a crucial time when the number of surveyors in the U.S. has dwindled from 56,200 in 2010 to just under 48,000 in 2020. In California specifically, over 2,000 surveyors are essential for supporting the construction and utility sectors. The decrease in qualified professionals poses a substantial risk to crucial infrastructure projects. Industry leaders such as Bryan Gibert from Trimble are keenly aware of this gap, emphasizing the importance of reshaping geospatial education to cultivate the talent needed in the field.

Benefits of the Collaboration

This innovative partnership provides a noteworthy model for addressing labor shortages through educational initiatives. By marrying industry expertise with academic needs, the program not only prepares students for the forthcoming job market but also fosters continuous growth and innovation within the industry.

Tom Cardenas of CSDS commented on the strategic alliance, noting how essential it is to empower students with hands-on training that reflects the tools they will use in their careers.

Through this partnership, students in Fresno State's Geomatics Engineering Program will gain access to a range of advanced equipment, including Trimble GNSS base receivers, robotic total stations, digital levels, 3D laser scanners, and essential software licenses that streamline surveying tasks.

Building a Talent Pipeline

Fresno State, recognized as the first four-year nationally accredited geomatics program in the U.S. and the only ABET-accredited offering in California, plays a crucial role in the state’s training capabilities for geospatial professionals. With this collaboration aiming to create a competent workforce, both CSDS and Trimble provide not just the technology, but also vital on-site training and calibration support.

Dr. Scott Peterson, a leading professor in the Geomatics Engineering Program, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the necessity of integrating the latest technology into their curriculum. He noted that while previous partnerships had set a solid foundation, the addition of Trimble technologies was essential in meeting industry standards and demands.

As the workforce landscape continues to evolve, initiatives such as this reflect a proactive approach to education in the tech-driven world of surveying. The Trimble-Fresno State collaboration is not just a response to a pressing challenge but a strategic investment in the future of the geospatial workforce in California.

Conclusion

Trimble, CSDS, and Fresno State are embarking on an ambitious journey, not only to address the labor shortage in surveying but to reshape the entire educational approach within this critical field. By fostering a partnership that bridges industry and academia, they are demonstrating a committed strategy to revitalize the workforce, ensuring that future surveyors are equipped with both the practical experience and technological expertise required in today's market.