Archived 07/05/2013
IQ and UDC GRADUATION SUCCESSES 2012
A total of 83 Industry professionals from quarrying, asphalt and concrete companies celebrated the successful completion of University of Derby Corporate, in collaboration with IQ, courses at their graduation on Saturday 26th January 2013 when they received their University Diplomas and Certificates.
The graduates, from companies including Hanson, Aggregate Industries and Tarmac to name but a few, celebrated the success in areas including Quarry Technology, Asphalt Technology and Quarry Studies, at a ceremony which was held at the University’s Kedleston Road site in Derby.
Andrew Hartley, Managing Director of UDC, the corporate training and development division of the University of Derby, presented the certificates to the group who had undertaken their studies while remaining in their professional full-time roles.
Ivan Connor, Assistant Quarry Manager with Harrington Concrete & Quarries, who graduated with a Diploma in Quarry Technology, said: ‘I’ve thoroughly enjoyed completing the diploma; it’s really strengthened my practical knowledge of the industry, as well as the theoretical aspect. I’ve also recently gained a promotion as a result of completing the course, so it’s certainly benefited my career. Everyone who graduated has come so far from the daunting days of being introduced to the course material, to solving electrical engineering equations! The sense of achievement is most rewarding.’
Phil James, Chief Executive of the Institute of Quarrying, added: ‘These are highly professional people who have put in a tremendous amount of work while working in very demanding roles. As a result, their personal achievement is a huge gain for the industry as vital knowledge and skills are put into practice to improve the safety, efficiency and impact of our quarrying operations.’
UDC works with IQ to deliver work-based learning programmes and accredited qualifications within our Industry. For further information please contact Julian Smallshaw at julian.smallshaw@quarrying.org or visit: www.derby.ac.uk/corporate
Archived 19/02/2013
IQ ANNUAL CONFERENCE 30th NOVEMBER 2012
The Annual Conference this year will be hosted by the Scottish Branch, assisted by MPA Scotland, and held in the IMAX theatre at the Glasgow Science Centre www.gsc.org.uk on 30th November 2012.
Symposium
The title of the symposium 'Essential Investment and Resources for the Future' is based around the building of the new Forth Road Crossing. The keynote address will
be given by Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, Fergus Ewing followed throughout the day by John Fraser from Transport Scotland, Murray Provan of the HSE, Dougie Millar also from Transport Scotland and Professor Sean Smith of Edinburgh Napier University. Full details of the programme and booking form are contained in the conference brochure which is available for download here.
McPherson Lecture
To recognise the efforts of the founder of the Institute, Simon McPherson, a medal competition was introduced in 1948 when medals were awarded to the authors of technical papers. After Simon McPherson's death the medal competition was replaced by the McPherson Award which was endowed in his memory. The first prizes were awarded in 1963 and the last in 1971, when the terms of the emdowment were changed to provide a sum sufficient to cover the expenses incurred by a speaker of note in order to deliver the triennial McPherson Memorial Lecture. The first lecture was given at the Annual Conference in 1974.
This year the Scottish Branch has been fortunate enough to secure the service of Professor Iain Stewart, Professor of Geosciences Communication, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at Plymouth University and well known TV presenter on the BBC. Professor Stewart most recently presented 'The Lost Land of the Volcano' and also co-presented 'Volcano Live' with Kate Humble.
Welcome Dinner
Please join us at our Welcome Dinner which will be held at the Glasgow Hilton Hotel on Thursday 29th November 2012. A three-course meal with wine is on offer and entertainment will be provided by former top class football referee Willie Young.
Archived 23/10/12
NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR IQ & MPQC
The Institute is delighted to announce the arrival of its new Executive Director,
Phil James, whose role will also encompass the executive leadership of MPQC.
Phil spent the early part of his career as a Quarry Manager with RMC (now CEMEX), working across a number of sites in the West Midlands and Staffordshire. Since then, Phil has gained experience within a range of professional associations, including seven years as Regional Director with the Chartered Institute of Building. Most recently, Phil worked as Assistant Chief Executive with the British Association of Social Workers.
Jack Berridge will remain in charge at QMJ Publishing, with which the Institute will continue its close relationship and will be on hand with his invaluable knowledge during the next few months of the hand-over period.
“I’m absolutely delighted to join the IQ team at such an exciting time for the Institute,” says Phil. “Returning to the industry feels like coming home and I’m really looking forward to meeting members and learning about the challenges and opportunities facing quarrying today”.
Phil’s arrival coincides with another significant change for IQ, as it prepares to re-locate to its new, ‘state of the art’ offices in Chilwell.
Above: Phil James, Executive Director IQ & MPCQ
Archived 01/07/12
Institute of Quarrying Executive Director, Jack Berridge, steps down after over 30 years service
Jack Berridge Hon FIQ
Jack Berridge Hon FIQ
Jack Berridge was the Executive Director of the Institute of Quarrying, a part time role which he combined with his main function as Managing Director of the Institute’s commercial associate, QMJ Publishing Ltd. In his IQ capacity he had overall responsibility for the management of the Institute in the UK and for liaison with the Institute sections in Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Middle East, New Zealand and Southern Africa. In addition, he was also the IQ representative on the board of the Mineral Products Qualifications Council (MPQC) and a member of the University of Derby Joint Consultative Committee.
Jack will now concentrate his efforts on QMJ and as MD of QMJ Publishing, he oversees the operation of the company’s portfolio of media interests related to the minerals and natural stone industries: Quarry Management, Natural Stone Specialist, The Directory of Quarries and Quarry Equipment, The Natural Stone Directory, Agg-Net.com, Hillhead Quarry Exhibition and the Natural Stone Show.
Archived 04/08/11
Institute of Quarrying International Certificate Success
The 'Certificate in International Quarry Operations' was launced in Spring 2010 following its successful development with the Institute of Quarrying and the University of Derby. The first year ended following final examinations in January 2011. Nine candidates successfully completed the course and their names are listed below.
Special mention must be made of Jaco de Klerk who gained the highest overall grade. He is therefore awarded the Institute's 'Best International Certificate Student' for 2011. Well Done! Jaco is currently based in Oman with Tarmac International and is a South African national.
| Candidate | Nationality | Company |
| Jaco De Klerk | South African | Tarmac International |
| Karol Sabat | Polish | Eurovia |
| Rudra Mohan Sahu | Indian | Lafarge |
| Yatham Dharanidhar | Indian | Lafarge |
| James Gilmartin | British | Gillrange AN Ltd |
| Wiktor Werfel | Polish | CRH Poland |
| Iwona Mazur | Polish | CRH Poland |
| Ramai Anak Impak | Malaysian | Hap Seng |
| Robert Betcy | Malaysian | Hap Seng |
Congratulations to all the successful students..
Archived 27/05/11
Steve Cram MBE
Record turnout at Midlands Branch for Olympic Technical Evening
On 14 March, legendary middle-distance runner Steve Cram gave an amusing yet inspirational talk as part of a London 2012 Olympics themed event at the Midlands Branch technical evening held at the Forest Hill Golf Club, Leicestershire, along with Rachel Krzeminski, customer liaison manager – major projects with Aggregate Industries UK Ltd.
The branch were thrilled with the turnout of 110 members and guests that the high profile speaker drew to the occasion and branch chairman, Carmella Barbour, thanked and welcomed everyone warmly before introducing the first speaker Rachel Krzeminski, who gave an outstanding presentation on how Aggregate Industries’ strong focus on sustainability played a key role in helping the company win two major supply contracts of ready-mixed concrete and aggregates for the Olympic Games. She concluded by saying that London 2012 will set new standards in the UK construction sector and the aggregates industry, as a whole, should be proud of the hugely important role it is playing in developing sustainable solutions to achieve the Games’ ‘green’ objectives.
Next to take the stage was former Olympian and now BBC Sport commentator Steve Cram, who gave a fascinating and entertaining insight into what it is like to be an athlete competing in the Olympic Games. During his professional track and field career, Steve was World, Commonwealth and European champion at 1,500 metres but unfortunately he only won a silver medal at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
He enthralled the audience with a talk on the ‘Olympic Spirit’ and said that the Olympics represent the pinnacle of any athlete’s career. Steve also spoke about the friendly rivalry he had with Seb Coe and Steve Ovett, and was keen to reflect on Team GB’s Olympic medal tally over the last 30 years, as well as the target set for London 2012.
Archived 31/03/11
From left to right, Miles Dobson Head of Manufacturing - Aggregates, Emmanuel Rigaux Managing Director and Jim Verity HR Director - UK Aggregates and Concrete showing ongoing commitment towards the CPC scheme
Lafarge Completes the First Annual Audit of the Institute's Corporate Professional Competence Scheme
Since the introduction of the scheme some 15 months ago, Lafarge have undergone the first annual audit from the Institute. The scheme was developed to take into account all of the employees who hold statutory and managerial responsibility towards Health, Safety and Environmental issues.
Lafarge currently have over 150 people who are members of the Institute and out of which nearly all are registered for the Continuing Professional Development Scheme. The Lafarge IOQ membership includes all their managers and staff who hold statutory appointments under the Quarry Regulations.
A total of 20 of their staff supplied their CPD record for audit purposes during the year and the majority of which were completed to a high standard.
A formal close out meeting was held with HR Director Jim Verity and National NVQ and Competency Centre Manager John Bussey, who were pleased with the progress and thought the first year had been a great success.
Emmanuel Rigaux the new Managing Director of the UK Aggregates business fully supported the CPD Scheme and was very keen to continue it and will become a member himself.
Emmanuel also commented that: The CPD scheme is exemplary to me in that it supports the ongoing competence of our Quarry Management and therefore the achievement of a sustainable safe working environment. It perfectly illustrates our ongoing commitment towards our Zero Harm Target which is very close to our hearts and is a vital part of our business.
Archived 31/12/10
Training for Competence Workshops
At the end of 2010 the NVQ system will officially be replaced by qualifications within the new Qualification and Credit Framework. Thus, whilst the content of the NVQs with which the industry is familiar will remain broadly the same, the new modular format will allow much greater flexibility in their application. In order to help the industry understand the new system, MPQC has joined up with IQ to mount a series of five regional half day workshops which will feature contributions from Roy Bush of HSE on the need for competence, Graham Crawshaw of MPQC on understanding the QCF, Julian Smallshaw of IQ on the benefits to industry, Mike Phillips, also IQ on ongoing professional development and Jonathan Ledger, Proskills on Funding Opportunities. Each workshop will be chaired by an IQ Council member and further details can be obtained from Ruth Swaby, MPQC on 0115 964 4926 or Ruth.Swaby@mpawards.co.uk - cost £30 + VAT or to download a pdf booking form click here
MPQC secures £500k for training
Employers in the extractives industry have the opportunity to access funding for qualifications through the Joint Investment Programme whereby government offers part funding for training and qualifications in specified areas.
Extractives Industries Qualifications in the new QCF format (Qualification and Credit Framework) which are within scope of funding are:
- Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Health Safety and Environmental Management for the Extractive and Minerals Processing Industries
- Level 4 Diploma in Managing Basic Processing Operations in the Extractive and Minerals Processing Industries
- Level 4 Diploma in Managing Standard Processing Operations in the Extractive and Minerals Processing Industries
- Level 4 Diploma in Managing Complex Processing Operations in the Extractive and Minerals Processing Industries
- Level 3 Diploma in Mining Mechanical Operations
- Level 3 Diploma in Mining Electrical Operations
Archived 11/10/10
Over 330 to attend IQ/MPA event
A record turn out of over 300 guests from all sectors of industry will be attending the 2010 Health and Safety Best Practice Awards which this year are being organised by the Mineral Products Association in association with IQ, in lieu of a separate annual conference. The extended format will feature finalists in each of the nine categories of award with the addition of contributions from high profile speakers including: Judith Hackitt, chair, HSE; Terry Last, CEO, Tarmac and Peter McKie, chair, HSE Northern Ireland. This year IQ is also hosting the annual meeting of the Presidents’ Committee are will be welcoming senior officers from Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Southern Africa and, for the first time, the Middle East.
Archived 27/09/10
Lex Russell and Neil Farmer signing CPC Certificate number 004
CEMEX Make the right move towards a fully competent workforce
We are pleased to announce that CEMEX Materitals (Aggregates) UK are now the 4th UK Company to meet all the requirements to join the Institute of Quarrying, Corporate Professional Competence Scheme.
The commitment towards achieving a fully competent workforce by the end of 2010 was a challenging and a readily recognised commitment by the senior management of the business. With this in mind CEMEX being one of the largest producers and suppliers to the construction industry in the UK, undertook the commitment to join the scheme during the latter part of 2009 and following a preliminary audit by the Institute received the Certificate confirming qualification to the rules of the scheme.
The move has been welcomed wholeheartedly by Country President Lex Russell and National Operations Manager Neil Farmer as a clear demonstration of the company's commitment to ensuring that all staff with statutory responsibilities are both trained and qualified to discharge their legal duties and also maintain their competence through a professional CPD scheme.
Comment by Lex Russell:-"Joining the scheme that the Insititute operate was a step in the right direction and was clearly the right thing to do to progress and develop the knowledge of the people within our organisation.
BAM Ritchies sign CPC Certificate number 003
David Sharman presents certificate number 003 to Ian Dalgleish of BAM Ritchies
Drill and Blasting Contractor joins the Institute of Quarrying Corporate Professional Competence Scheme
Following the introduction of the Corporate Professional Competence scheme (CPC), BAM Ritchies almost instantly showed a keen interest in taking part. They are the largest drilling and blasting contractor operating in the UK quarrying industry and have been providing this service for almost 40 years.
Ian Dalgleish, Director of BAM Ritchies, was pleased to accept CPC certificate number 003 presented to him by David Sharman (President of the Institute) at the meeting of Council in February 2010.
Ian explains as an organisation we are absolutely committed to maintaining professional standards and training and developing our people, so complying with the obligations of the scheme were straigtforward for us. The ability to have a scheme which independantly audits our adherence to it and our staff's CPD records are of great value to us.