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.
With all personal safety recommendations actively in place and a scheme of classroom and webinar-based training programmes revised and ready for delivery, EPC-UK has released its schedule of 2022 learning and development courses.
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.
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?
Getting the Most Out of IQ Membership
The Institute of Quarrying (IQ) has over 2,800 UK members, representing all aspects of the minerals extractive and quarrying industries from health and safety to geology, explosives and sustainability.