Hard work pays off for mineral products professionals

Eighty-two students graduate from UDC Centre for Mineral Products Professional Development

A GROUP of 82 mineral products professionals who work for companies including Hanson, Lafarge Tarmac and Aggregates Industries have recently graduated from University of Derby Corporate (UDC), the University’s corporate training and development division, with qualifications in a range of subjects such as Quarry Technology, Asphalt Technology and Construction Materials Technology.

Certificates were presented to those students who have completed their work-based studies, at a ceremony at the University’s main Kedleston Road site in Derby.

Speaking at the event, Miles Watkins, chairman of the Institute of Quarrying, said: ‘To remain competitive, the construction industry needs all of the talent it can get. It needs people to be interested in learning and it needs to invest in these people to address the challenges of the future. The partnerships that we have developed between the institutes and University of Derby Corporate will be instrumental in that journey.’

John Pritchard, finance director with Sibelco UK who graduated with a Diploma in Quarry Technology, said: ‘The online study materials that accompany the course are excellent, allowing the subjects to be delivered in an interesting, interactive and student-friendly way. In my view, the course is an indispensable qualification for anyone wishing to progress their career in the industry and I would wholeheartedly recommend the Diploma.’

Tim Gallagher, an operations manager with Lafarge Tarmac who also graduated with a Diploma in Quarry Technology, said: ‘The lecturers have all got relevant industry backgrounds and they have a great rapport with the students, which supports a good learning culture. Because the course has given me such a broad spectrum of knowledge from across the industry, I’ve been able to get involved in areas of business that I wouldn’t have ventured into before.’

Mark Osbaldeston, head of the Centre for Mineral Products Professional Development at University of Derby Corporate, added: ‘Graduation is an extremely proud time both for our students and for our staff, and the culmination of months of hard work. We’re thrilled to celebrate our students’ success with them and officially recognize their achievements.’