Minerals Matter hits 100 ambassadors target
Industry-led consortium signs hundredth volunteer ambassador as part of essential youth outreach programme
MINERALS Matter, an initiative of the Mineral Products Qualifications Council (MPQC), collaborating with the mineral products sector to tackle shared recruitment, diversity, and succession issues, has signed its hundredth ambassador as part of its essential youth outreach work.
‘2024 has been a very successful year, raising greater awareness of the work of Minerals Matter and most importantly hitting our target of recruiting 100 volunteer ambassadors,’ said Hannah Higley, future careers manager with Minerals Matter.
‘Each one gives some of their own time to educate and inspire young people about the vast range of career opportunities in our sector. Talking directly to young people in education helps break down any negative perceptions about the nature of the work and helps young people understand that mineral products are the opportunity for more sustainable living, not the enemy of it.’
Dr Helen Bailey, programme lead asphalt and pavements at the University of Derby Centre for Mineral Products, deputy chair of the Institute of Quarrying (IQ), and vice president of the Institute of Asphalt (IAT), is the hundredth ambassador to join the Minerals Matter programme. She advocates for companies in the minerals product sector to engage with the youth outreach scheme, empowering their workforce to support and create a sustainable sector for generations to come.
Dr Bailey said: ‘Never have we had so many generations in the workforce, as the landscape around us continues to change we are at a critical juncture in skills development and recruitment into this vital sector. By affording employees with the time and opportunity to engage, employers can help connect skills with business and allow younger people a lens through which to view the wealth of opportunities Mineral Products has to offer.’
She added: ‘The sector has an opportunity to develop informative and progressive work experience and internship opportunities, and to use apprenticeships to develop well-rounded, competent people who understand the business of mineral products and not just a single role.’
Putting his 21 years of industry experience to good use, Hazen Bowskill completed more than 10 community outreach activities during 2024, including STEM sessions, mock interviews, and careers fairs.
He remarked: ‘When I first started going into schools it was clear that many of the children and indeed teachers believed quarry work to be somewhat of a last resort career choice. Then, I explained the extensive list of qualifications I hold, thanks to the sector, and how salaries more than match up to other sectors.
‘On top of that, I see the enthusiasm of the young people when they link mineral products and the subjects. They care passionately about, for instance, energy, climate change, the circular economy, and regeneration. As a result, educators really valued my input.’
James Thorne, chief executive officer of the Institute of Quarrying and MPQC, added: ‘Minerals Matter ambassadors are our industry role models. They are relatable to young people and prove that we welcome a diverse and inclusive workforce. Ours is a good news story and our 100 strong ambassador voices will be telling it throughout 2025 and beyond.’
