From joining Plowman Craven as a Junior Surveyor to achieving a First Class Honours degree, Charlie Millbery’s journey demonstrates what can be achieved through dedication, practical experience and a commitment to learning during an apprenticeship.
Charlie has successfully completed his five-year Geospatial Mapping and Science Degree Apprenticeship with the University of East London, achieving both a First Class Honours degree and a Distinction in his End Point Assessment.
These outstanding results mark the culmination of five years balancing academic study with a surveying career, applying his learning to live projects while developing his technical expertise.
Learning on site and in the classroom
Charlie joined Plowman Craven as a Junior Surveyor and progressed to Surveyor within the Property Development Team during his apprenticeship.
Combining university study with practical work gave him the opportunity to build his understanding of geospatial science alongside first-hand experience of delivering surveys. It also provided a direct connection between the principles taught at university and the challenges encountered on site.
Reflecting on his experience, Charlie said:
“The apprenticeship gave me the opportunity to gain hands on experience and develop professionally while completing my degree alongside my role.”
His progression highlights the value of degree apprenticeships in helping people gain a qualification while building the confidence, judgement and practical expertise needed in their profession.
Taking his skills to new heights
Since completing his apprenticeship, Charlie has joined the Inspection Team within our Infrastructure division, where he is developing new skills and experience in operating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
The move opens another chapter in his development, expanding his technical and geospatial knowledge as he explores the role of aerial technology in inspection work.
It is a natural next step in a career built around continuous learning, with new opportunities to apply his surveying background and broaden his expertise.
Building the next generation of geospatial talent
Charlie’s achievement is also a reminder of the opportunities that STEM education can unlock. Bringing together science, technology, engineering and mathematics, geospatial careers offer the chance to turn technical knowledge into practical solutions for the built environment.
Degree apprenticeships provide a valuable route into this profession, allowing people to earn while they learn and contribute to projects throughout their studies.
At Plowman Craven, we are proud to support the development of emerging talent and to see colleagues build their careers with us. Charlie’s success reflects both his hard work and the value of creating opportunities for people to learn, progress and explore new specialisms.
Congratulations, Charlie, on an outstanding achievement. We look forward to seeing what you accomplish next.
