Setting Out for Construction

18/03/2026

Where do setting out errors actually come from?

When something goes wrong on site, it’s easy to assume the problem must be the instrument, the coordinates, or the person using the equipment.

In reality, many setting out issues originate much earlier. Often the root cause sits in the control network behind the measurements.

If control points have been established in a way that allows small errors to accumulate over time, everything that follows can still appear precise while gradually drifting away from true position.

This is one reason why understanding traverse is so important. A properly carried out traverse isn’t just a survey exercise. It’s a structured way of establishing and checking control so that the rest of the work on site has something reliable to reference.

The difficulty is that many engineers become very capable with tools like total stations, resection, and stakeout before they are ever shown how a traverse actually works or why the control hierarchy matters.

That doesn’t mean people are doing anything wrong intentionally. It means people often learn how to operate equipment before fully learning the system that sits behind it.

Understanding that system changes how you interpret measurements, how you question coordinates, and how you recognise when something doesn’t quite make sense.

Good setting out is rarely about pressing the right button.

More often, it comes down to understanding the network of decisions and references that sit behind every point you stake out.

📖 Read the full blog:

27/10/2025

Site engineering is one of the most critical roles on any project but too often, engineers are expected to learn on the job. Quality training changes that by bridging the gap between theory and the real world so engineers can deliver safely, accurately, and with confidence.

Congratulations to all who completed the course. Investing in skills isn’t just about today’s work, it’s about shaping the future of how we build.

09/10/2025

Some highlights from our 5-day Setting Out For Construction courses this year. We get to work with so many amazing individuals through our courses and it's amazing to watch them develop their skills, abilities and confidence. We want to thank all our course delegates for their time, dedication and willingness to learn, and we can't wait to see them grow over the years to come 🥂

27/01/2025

🚨 SOFC are hiring! 🚨

Site Engineering Trainer

Company Overview

At Setting Out For Construction, we’re passionate about delivering high-quality training solutions to the construction industry. As a leading provider of CITB Assured setting out courses and other training programs, we are committed to excellence, diversity, and creating a positive and inclusive workplace where our team thrives.
We’re proud of our hardworking, supportive team that values integrity, collaboration, and the highest standards. With more work than we can currently service, we’re looking for like-minded professionals who take pride in their work and are ready to inspire the next generation of site engineers.

Why Join Us?
• We pay well for great work.
• We use efficient systems to keep stress to a minimum.
• We value, support, and invest in our people.
• We offer flexibility to suit your lifestyle.

Position Overview
Do you have a passion for sharing your knowledge and helping others succeed? We’re looking for a motivated Site Engineering Trainer to join our team and deliver our flagship 5-day CITB Assured Setting Out course across the UK. This is your chance to inspire construction professionals and leave a lasting impact on their careers.

Depending on your experience, you’ll also have the opportunity to deliver additional courses, such as GNSS, machine control, LSS, n4ce, Civil 3D, and AutoCAD, with full training and qualifications funded by us.
You’ll play a vital role in shaping the careers of construction professionals, communicating technical concepts in a clear and patient manner to a diverse audience, from apprentices to engineering graduates.
We welcome applications from those seeking full-time or part-time opportunities, as we strive to accommodate a variety of working preferences.

Key Responsibilities
• Deliver high-quality training programs, including the 5-day Setting Out course, to industry professionals.
• Some travel across the UK to conduct training sessions at various locations.
• Provide tailored guidance and support to course participants, ensuring an excellent learning experience.
• Collaborate with the team to refine course content and delivery methods.
• Contribute to developing new training materials and innovative resources.
• Work closely with the company Director to manage and fulfil training schedules.

Qualifications & Skills
• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Site Engineer in the construction industry.
• HND in Civil Engineering or a related field.
• Full UK driving license.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain technical concepts to a varied audience.
• Passion for sharing knowledge and empowering others in their careers.

Salary & Benefits
• Competitive salary: £40,000 to £80,000, depending on experience and flexibility.
• Flexible working options to suit your needs – full-time or part-time
• Car allowance or company van
• Pension scheme.
• Work-from-home flexibility when not delivering training.
• A supportive, collaborative environment that values work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.

How to Apply
If you’re passionate about training and development in the construction industry, we’d love to hear from you – even if you don’t meet all the listed criteria. At Setting Out For Construction, we value diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
To apply, please email your CV and a cover letter to [email protected], outlining your relevant experience and what excites you about joining our team.

Join Us
This is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to shape the future of construction training and make a difference in the lives of industry professionals. If you’re ready to share your passion, inspire others, and take pride in delivering the highest standards of training, we encourage you to apply today!

26/01/2025

Take our quiz to see if you have an unhealthy dependency on freelance or agency Site Engineers

23/08/2024

What an amazing week we have had during our 5-day CITB Assured Setting about course this week. Congratulations to all of our course delegates, you all knocked it out of the park!

We all made some great connections this week and we are looking to forward to seeing you putting your new skills and knowledge into practice 💪

Thank you to Steps Stirling and Scotia Survey and Safety for their 5-star support and service.

16/08/2024

13/08/2024

Join us for the next Machine Control Training course!

📅 13th September
📍 SPOA HQ in Stirling

Suitable for site engineers and machine operators, Setting Out for Construction will guide you using the Tenstar simulator to enhance machine control skills.

For full details and to book your place, visit: https://bit.ly/3yxplf9

10/04/2024

SOFC Director Gail McEwen featuring in this months Project Plant magazine.

Gail McEwen Gail McEwen is director and lead trainer at Setting Out For Construction. She was recently named as co-chair of the new SPOA Women in Plant work ...

04/04/2024

We are hiring!

If you or someone you know would be interested in joining our team, we'd love to hear from you.

You can check out the job post on our company page below for more details, and feel free to reach out to me directly if you have any questions.

06/03/2024

The working group will be co-chaired by Immediate SPOA Past President, Callum Mackintosh, and Gail McEwen, Director and Lead Trainer at Setting Out For Construction. Gail has a wealth of experience in construction both in the UK as well as Australia. A well-respected figure in the industry, Gail is....