Meet Ryan Barr, from Vision Academy Cadet to Brisbane Office Manager

Vision Academy Cadet to Brisbane Office Manager, Ryan Barr

When Ryan Barr joined Vision Surveys back in 2011 the Vision Academy didn’t exist. He had just finished school and saw a paid full time job ad for a junior draftsman. No surveying background, no qualifications and no real idea of what the role involved.

“I had to ask my dad what a surveyor even did,” Ryan said.

At just 17 Ryan stepped into a full time role with no set pathway. But what he found was a team willing to back him. He started learning in the field alongside a senior surveyor who took the time to answer every question. That hands on experience helped shape what would later become the Vision Academy.

Now over a decade later Ryan manages the Brisbane office and mentors new cadets through the same program that was built from stories like his.

“It wasn’t called the Academy back then, but the idea was the same. Learn by doing. Ask questions. Make mistakes and get better. Having someone in your corner early on makes all the difference.”

What the Vision Academy looks like today

The Vision Academy is a two-year training program that takes new starters from day one in the field to confident associate-level surveyors. It is broken into three-month blocks with clear KPIs for each stage. The first six months are all about observation. Cadets spend time with experienced surveyors and learn how things work before they are expected to do the work themselves.

From there cadets move into more hands-on tasks, like current Vision Academy cadets Mikey and Oliver. At first, they might support small projects or learn how to use specific tools. Over time they take the lead on jobs with supervision. The program adjusts to each person’s pace. Some move through quickly while others take more time to build confidence, either way, cadets are supported.

Vision Surveys CEO Dave Wilson says the Academy plays a key role in shaping the future of the business.

“We recognised the shortage of surveyors early on, so we created our own program to bring school leavers into Vision and the industry. The Academy not only gives us skilled employees, it also develops the future leaders of our business.”

By the end of the two years cadets are prepared to complete the Surveying Associate Competency Assessment through the Surveyors Board Queensland. This gives cadets a recognised qualification without needing a university degree. They also gain real practical experience and the confidence that comes with it.

Brisbane Office Manager Ryan Barr adds: “It’s structured but flexible. It gives you something to work towards and the support to actually get there. You’re not on your own.”

Life at Vision Surveys

Ryan knows what it’s like to grow a career while trying to juggle life. After several years at Vision Surveys he left to work in the mines. In 2021, he returned for better balance and more time with his family. Now with two young kids he says Vision’s culture makes it easier to do both.

“There’s a real understanding here that people have lives outside of work. Whether it’s starting early to do school pick up or going camping on the weekend the flexibility is there if you need it,” said Ryan.

That support carries through to the mentoring process. Ryan now mentors three cadets who are all at different stages. He builds their learning plans around their experience and makes time for regular check-ins.

“You’re not expected to know everything. That’s the point of the program. You’ve got people here who want to see you do well.”

Why the Academy matters

With a shortage of surveyors across the country the Vision Academy is doing more than just filling roles. It is helping build the future of the industry by giving people a clear pathway into the profession.

“We’re not just waiting for the right person to show up. We’re creating the right environment for people to grow into it,” Ryan said.

Without the Academy a lot of people might never have discovered surveying. He points out that many of the current team got here by chance through a work experience placement or word of mouth. The Academy gives those people a genuine opportunity to build a career that lasts.

“I know what it’s like to start with zero experience. I know how much it helped to have someone backing me. Now I get to do the same for someone else.”

The culture that keeps people here

Vision Surveys culture is something Ryan speaks about often. It is fast paced but friendly with a strong team focus. There is room for people who want to grow into leadership and room for people who simply want to do good work and head home at the end of the day.

“If you’re curious and open to learning you’ll go far here. But there’s no pressure to be anything other than yourself. It’s a team that backs you either way,” said Ryan.

Thinking about surveying?

For anyone unsure about what comes after school or considering a different path Ryan says the Vision Academy is a chance worth taking.

“You don’t need to have it all figured out. I didn’t. You just need to be open to learning and willing to give it a go. The Academy gives you structure support and real experience. You get paid while you learn and by the end of it you’ve got options.”

Ryan also points out that surveying is one of those careers that most people don’t hear about in school but once they are in it, they realise how broad the work really is.

“No two days are the same. You can be out on site working on a new estate one week then in the office helping plan the next stage of a project. There’s variety there’s growth and you’re part of building something real.”

Vision Surveys CEO Dave Wilson agrees. “It’s important to show the community what surveyors do and the role we play every day. Surveying is a diverse career, you can spend your life outdoors travelling the world, or in an office with the air-conditioning. The choice is yours. Through Vision Academy, we speak at schools and career expos to inspire the next generation and help the industry grow.”

Ryans final words of advice? “If you’re even half considering it just ask the question. Come in have a chat. It might be the start of something you didn’t even know you were looking for.”