Recently, members of the Plowman Craven team had the pleasure of spending time with students at Thriftwood College. They shared drone technology and explored how innovation can create exciting career opportunities for young people. During this visit, students also gained insight into what a survey career might look like with modern technology.
Part of Thriftwood Academy, Thriftwood College provides education for students aged 14 to 19 with moderate learning difficulties, including autistic spectrum needs. The college has a strong focus on building confidence, independence and life skills. As a result, it helps prepare learners for the next stage of their education. Additionally, it prepares them for employment and personal development.
The visit formed part of the college’s second annual Careers Day, themed around How vehicles help businesses to be successful. The event brought together an incredible range of employers, emergency services and local businesses. All of them showcased the vehicles and equipment that play a vital role in their industries.
From tractors, diggers and flat-bed lorries to fire engines, police cars, delivery vans, a hearse, and even a doggy day care van complete with friendly dogs, students were given the chance to explore, ask questions and gain valuable insight into the working world. Meanwhile, Plowman Craven’s contribution focused on drone surveying technology. This gave learners a hands-on look at how drones are transforming industries such as surveying, inspection and construction. Students gained a unique perspective on the possibilities of a survey career in these fields.
For the team, the day was about far more than simply demonstrating equipment. It was about making technical careers feel accessible, visible and achievable for a wider group of young people. In doing so, it helped them see a survey career as an exciting pathway.
It was also a particularly meaningful event for Adam Higgins, UAS Pilot who came on behalf of Plowman Craven to this event. He felt personally passionate about supporting the initiative and representing the business.
As James Arnott, Managing Director of Inspection at Plowman Craven, explained:
“This was a great reminder that STEM outreach is not just about showcasing technology. It is about creating visibility, building confidence and making sure more young people can see a future for themselves in industries like ours.”
The feedback from the college highlighted just how valuable these interactions can be.
Jools Butcher, Careers Lead at Thriftwood College, said:
“Engaging with amazing and caring people like you is so important for our learners; not only are they learning about industry, work and jobs, they are also learning social skills, questioning and communication skills and they are building confidence in meeting new people and learning the resilience and positivity needed to do so.”
The success of the day reflected the strength of collaboration between education and industry. It helped students connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities and future career pathways. Furthermore, it inspired curiosity in exploring a survey career within different industries.
At Plowman Craven, supporting initiatives like this is part of a wider commitment to STEM outreach, inclusion and community engagement. By helping young people see themselves in industries they may never have considered before, businesses can play an important role. Specifically, they help shape more diverse and accessible futures.
A huge thank you goes to the staff and learners at Thriftwood College for the warm welcome, and to Adam for representing the team so brilliantly. We were proud to play a small part in a day full of positivity, energy and meaningful connection.
