When things don't necessarily go to plan, I reassure myself that it is all part of the learning process and I am keen to learn something new every day.
Kyle Beaven TMIQ Quarry Manager, Condover Quarry, Hanson UK
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The career options are endless to anyone looking to start and progress in the industry!
I knew it was a great opportunity to enhance my knowledge of management whilst operating in a diverse and dynamic industry that is fundamental to the economy.
“It was one Saturday morning when I woke up and saw a job advert for a Trainee Supervisor/LEAD Apprentice at Hanson Aggregates, Chipping Sodbury Quarry in Bristol. I knew it was a great opportunity to enhance my knowledge of management whilst operating in a diverse and dynamic industry that is fundamental to the economy.” This was how the journey in the quarrying industry began for Sport and Business Studies college graduate, Kyle Beaven.
Initially, Kyle had the ambition to work in Business Management after finishing at St. John Rigby College in June 2016 but noticed the lack of job opportunities available.
“Although I received four university offers to study Business Management (one being Lancaster University), I assessed the options and the benefits of an apprenticeship outweighed them all. The ability to earn whilst you learn, gain real work experience and the potential for career growth were obvious advantages.”
It was this realisation that led to Kyle obtaining a fantastic prospect of a Higher apprenticeship in Mineral Products Technology with Hanson UK.
“As someone interested in Business Management, being able to implement actions that improve business operations is exhilarating and is one of the main reasons why I love my job. The beauty of working in a demanding environment means no two days are the same.”
“My apprenticeship with Hanson was coming to an end but I was determined to progress and obtain a management role within the company which I succeeded in getting. The apprenticeship provided a strong foundation for this career development with opportunities to oversee various aggregate operations.
As a newly appointed Quarry Manager comes new challenges, systems and the fact that I have financial ownership of the site operation. A typical day consists of a range of duties from certifying that the site complies with the relevant Health, Safety and Environmental legislation to managing finances, amongst assessing and improving performance with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
When things don’t necessarily go to plan, I reassure myself that it is all part of the learning process and I am keen to learn something new every day. I am aware that communication is the fundamental ingredient to managing a successful site, so I regularly attend and host meetings to guarantee transparency across all employee levels. As much as the role can be challenging, I have great support from senior managers who provide influential guidance and will always help me out.”
Kyle being eager to constantly grow in his role, will be aiming to top-up his recent Foundation degree in Minerals Extractive Technology with the University of Derby and start a BSc in Minerals Extractive Management. He has also completed an MPQC Level 4 Diploma in Safety, Health and Environmental Management in Mineral Product Operations and has attended several training courses including IOSH managing safely and Creating Engaging Managers Talent Development Programme (CEM), to name a few.
“As a member of the Institute of Quarrying, I have had the pleasure of networking with some of the industry’s most influential people. I initially joined as Student Member but as of recent, upgraded to a Technical Member. What I found remarkable were the Technical evenings. Despite those attending all being competitors, there was a great sense of unity to work towards the common goal of improving the overall industry. This was something I wanted to be a part of.
The quarrying industry is so versatile and dynamic with a vast number of specialist roles from Business to Commercial, so the career options are endless to anyone looking to start and progress in the industry! With the incredible support I receive from Hanson and my proactiveness to learn, I am positive about what the future prevails for the career aspirations which I hold very close to my chest.”
