The strong recruitment drive follows QTS witnessing huge demand for the service line for projects across the UK.

The new hires have bolstered surveying capabilities for the team in recent months, while internal management promotions have also added strength and structure.

The team’s skills continue to diversify, covering laser scanning, topographical surveying and drone operations. Three members are fully qualified remote drone pilots, and one is currently in training. Staff are encouraged to progress internally and diversify their own skillset to become fully rounded modern day surveyors.

Recent investment in new technology has also further strengthened the contractor’s expertise. This includes a new drone platform, which enables remote browsers to access to survey data and a high-resolution Phase One camera, which increases image quality from 45MP to 100MP.

The new equipment has doubled operational capacity within a month of being in operation.

The team has also implemented a Remote Monitoring System, allowing total stations to be controlled remotely for automated track monitoring, reducing the need for personnel on site.

Work is underway to explore the use of drones in confined spaces for future applications. All equipment used by the team is wholly owned by QTS, setting it apart from many contractors in the industry who rely on hired, lower specification systems.

Kennedy Hamilton, national survey manager at QTS Group, said: “Our team has seen remarkable growth, both in size and capability.

“We are committed to giving our people the tools, technology and opportunities they need to thrive, because happy surveyors are good surveyors and good surveyors do the best work.

“By investing in high end equipment and internal progression, we are building a surveying operation that is truly industry leading while staying practical and value driven in our approach to innovation.”

The team remains active in community and education engagement. Through the Get Kids into Survey initiative, QTS is sponsoring a character based on a team member’s likeness for use in educational posters in schools.

The survey team also has a regular presence at QTS Group’s training events, including its annual Future of Rail celebration. This allows them to demonstrate product and service capabilities to internal and external audiences, including school and college pupils, and industry partners.