Higher apprenticeships in Mineral Product Technology
UDC hosting recruitment event to give young people a head start in the construction industry
UNIVERSITY of Derby Corporate (UDC) and its partners are to give ambitious young people a unique chance to get a head start in the mineral products industry next month.
On Wednesday 5 March, UDC is hosting a recruitment event at the University’s Enterprise Centre for higher apprenticeships in Mineral Products Technology – which allow students to learn whilst working and earning a wage.
Tutors and employers, who are looking to recruit this summer, will be in attendance on the day as well as current apprentices who can offer a first-hand viewpoint on how their own careers are developing.
Approximately 20 higher apprenticeship vacancies are up for grabs and open to anyone who has GCSE and A-Level qualifications to a good standard.
Mark Osbaldeston, head of the Centre for Mineral Products Professional Development, said: ‘The sector as a whole employs around 70,000 people in the UK and recorded a turnover of £9 billion in 2012. With significant recovery milestones achieved in recent months, the focus is now on bringing new talent in to support the future growth of the industry.
‘We developed a higher apprenticeship in Mineral Products Technology in partnership with the Institute of Quarrying and Hanson-Heidelberg last year and it has been a great success.
‘And now the industry is recovering well, we have Lafarge Tarmac, Hanson-Heidelberg, Aggregate Industries, Hope Construction Materials and Sibelco, among others, on board recruiting higher apprentices this year.
‘These employer partners will be present at the event next month, giving potential candidates a great opportunity to be ahead of the game and get themselves in front of these organizations.’
Daniel James, who is currently on the programme at Hanson-Heidelberg, explained why he decided to take up a higher apprenticeship. He said: ‘I chose this route as I wanted to earn while I learn and gain work experience at the same time.
‘By providing both academic and hands-on work experience, the higher apprenticeship is giving me a great start to my career in this industry. It’s giving me the tools and knowledge to make an impact within my role and gives me the key skills needed to develop my career.’
The higher apprenticeship event will take place from 12pm to 5pm on 5 March at the Enterprise Centre, Derby, DE1 3LD.
