Supporting the next generation of surveyors and engineers is an important part of Plowman Craven’s commitment to the future of the profession. This summer, we welcomed a number of work experience students and university placement students, giving them the opportunity to step beyond the classroom and gain first-hand experience of surveying in action.
Led by Ross Macaulay, Head of Survey, the placements have been designed to provide a broad introduction to the industry, combining site visits, practical training and exposure to the latest surveying technology.
Learning from Live Projects
At the end of June, we welcomed Jamal Larmie-Omigie (Year 12) and Ue Hong Lung (Year 10) from Sir John Lawes School for a week of work experience.
During their placement, they accompanied our teams on a variety of London projects, giving them the opportunity to see how surveying supports construction, infrastructure and asset management across a range of live environments.
Their week included spending time with our Asset Management teams on site, learning how our Smart Monitoring specialists help protect critical infrastructure, and taking part in practical instrument training at our Harpenden office.
Working alongside experienced surveyors, Jamal and Ue Hong were introduced to the fundamentals of setting up survey equipment, understanding measurement techniques and seeing how accuracy and precision underpin every stage of a project.
Alongside the site-based placements, Meghan Naran from Aylesbury High School completed an office-based work experience programme within our Asset Management division. During her placement, she spent time with a variety of teams to gain an understanding of the technical, operational and project support functions that help deliver successful surveying projects.
Building Practical Skills
We have also welcomed two summer placement students who will be spending the coming months working alongside our survey teams.
Isaac Wolter, a second-year Civil Engineering student at Newcastle University, and Nicholas Chung, a second-year Civil Engineering student at the University of East London, have already begun developing their practical surveying skills through hands-on field exercises.
One of their first tasks involved carrying out a levelling exercise outside our London office using a Leica LS15 digital level, giving them valuable experience with industry-standard surveying equipment before supporting our teams on live projects throughout the summer.
These placements provide students with the opportunity to apply the theory learned at university to real-world scenarios while gaining valuable experience across a variety of surveying disciplines.
Investing in Future Talent
Work experience and summer placements play an important role in helping young people understand the breadth of opportunities available within the geospatial surveying profession.
By working alongside experienced professionals, visiting live sites and using industry-leading technology, students gain practical skills, build confidence and develop a clearer understanding of the careers available within the industry.
As they continue their placements, Isaac and Nicholas will support teams on projects across the UK, while Jamal, Ue Hong and Meghan leave with valuable insight into the diverse and rewarding world of surveying.
At Plowman Craven, we are proud to invest in the next generation of talent and look forward to seeing where their careers take them.
