Education Secretary Gavin Williamson visits HSDC, tries out our drone

Written By Michael Woods

After many months of working with HSDC South Downs on integrating drone surveys and aerial property inspections into their new construction-focused T-Level, it was a pleasure to be joined by Gavin Williamson (UK Education Secretary) this week.

He toured the Waterlooville-based college, spoke with students and staff, and congratulated HSDC on being selected as the only place in Hampshire to offer the new style of qualification.

T-Levels are designed in collaboration with employers, so what’s taught aligns more closely with practical skills demanded by different industries. Like A-Levels, they span two years, but uniquely, they include 45 days of on-the-job experience.

We arrived at HSDC (after an early-morning drone survey for a new client in Portsmouth — efficient!) and were surprised to find ITV vans on site. Gavin’s visit ended up on Meridian News! The day was shaped around their filming schedule.

Spot Mike and Francesca in the ‘News at 6’ segment:

We worked with a group of students on practical activities, including risk assessments (more interesting than it sounds — questioning what could go wrong during a flight can lead to some interesting responses!), setting up the launch and landing area, and prepping the drone for takeoff.

With airspace approvals and flight plans all secured several days in advance, we were clear to fly! Our takeoff zone was no bigger than around 25 metres, so we asked the students to help us keep everyone within a set radius under our control. Drones always attract an interested crowd, so it was a great chance for them to practice notifying passers-by of our activities and emergency procedures.

Gavin expressed his interest in drones — particularly for their prevalence in educational technology — so we said: hey, now it’s your turn to have a go! He looked taken aback, but we assured him he’d be controlling the camera, not flying!

While Mike flew, Francesca showed Gavin the ropes. He snapped this from above:

Students also took the drone camera for a whirl!

We wrapped up the exciting day with a safety demonstration back in the classroom and spoke about commercial applications for working with drones. For T-Level Construction students, property surveys, roof inspections, 3D mapping, and land analysis are some key opportunities.

You’ll also spot Mike in this Twitter video from the Department of Education:

We can’t wait to work more with HSDC in the future — watch this space!

Michael Woods
Previous

HMS Queen Elizabeth drone photos, snapped during a Solent boat ride
Next

Solent Sky Services becomes a Shaping Portsmouth Associate