A business with VU foundations

Building surveyor Michael Tabone grew his business Vic Permits from the ground up to become a highly successful enterprise in Melbourne’s west. As a VU alumnus, he appreciates the skill level and practical experience his studies afforded him, and as such the majority of his employees are now VU graduates.

"I started out my career as a qualified building tradesperson and decided to continue studies with building surveying to push myself in the industry. With VU’s pathways I expanded on my qualifications one step at a time. I gained the confidence to be a competent surveyor and joined one of the largest building surveying firms in Australia, and eventually, owned my own business.

I now have seven staff working with me, along with several contractors, and we’re looking to hire one or two more staff in the next 12 months.

Most of our technical people are VU building surveying graduates, which is great for us. As a graduate – and now an employer – I value the well-rounded education that VU provides our staff. VU gave me the ability to explore my passion for construction and excel in my business as we service our exceptional clients.

Our past and current clients include NDIS, Transport Accident Commission and Melbourne Museum. A number of prestige domestic builders have recently won awards for projects that we’ve been involved with.

I’ve also had the pleasure of passing on my passion for building surveying to others, and taught at VU for two semesters – I felt it was a great way to give back to the University."

Michael's study pathway

Bachelor of Building Surveying
Graduate Certificate in Performance-based Building & Fire Codes
Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying CPC60108 (course no longer offered)