A party of 20 children from Loughries Integrated Primary School outside Newtownards in County Down made a return visit recently to Breedon’s Ballystockart Quarry where they enjoyed an informative and instructive tour, hosted by Quarry Manager Pat O’Connor.
The quarrying and mineral products industry offers so much potential, with many individuals starting off at entry level and progressing up the career ladder to responsible roles managing people and processes; up to and including senior management and executive roles.
Apprenticeship programmes are an increasingly popular pathway into the world of work, with many apprentices going on to enjoy successful careers at the highest levels. The quarrying sector is no different, with operators large and small welcoming the flexible approach to personal and professional development both in the workplace and classroom.
It has been over two years since the Institute of Quarrying (IQ) held its last prestigious Fellows Lunch and Student Awards in-person event. That’s two years since senior industry figures were able to get together and network face-to-face and two years since high-achieving students from the University of Derby Centre for Mineral Products received public praise for their outstanding achievements.
Studies show that people remember only 20% of what they read but 80% of what they see[1]. The Institute of Quarrying (IQ) has now introduced new reporting tools for members to quickly analyse their continuing professional development (CPD) activities.
New Good Practice Guide for Handling Soils in Mineral Workings
The focus of current UK Government policy in England, as set out in its 25 Year Environmental Plan (DEFRA, 2018), is to safeguard all soil resources (as Natural Capital, DEFRA, 2021). These policies are to be followed by the mineral extraction industry and regulated by the planning authorities. By 2030 all soils are to be managed sustainably.
Over the years, the annual Institute of Quarrying (IQ) Student Awards have recognised the exceptional achievements of countless individuals committed to improving their knowledge at the University of Derby’s Centre for Mineral Products Professional Development. But the awards are just part of the story. So where are some of these award winners now?
The Institute of Quarrying (IQ) has launched a new suite of tailored online e-learning programmes available to members and non-members, providing a flexible and innovative approach to continuing professional development (CPD).
IQ CPD Select Series comprises a unique choice of assessed bitesize e-learning modules and units. The four tier approach to CPD features training and qualifications that are recognised globally and accessed online locally.
For more than 100 years, the Institute of Quarrying (IQ) has supported the professional development of people working within the mineral products and quarrying industries.