Tarmac NSSP scoops Purpose Coalition award

Company’s National Skills and Safety Park recognized as national leader in social mobility

TARMAC’s head of learning development, Peter Kay, and the team at the company’s National Skills and Safety Park (NSSP) have been recognized as national leaders in social mobility at an awards evening organized by the Purpose Coalition.

Mr Kay and the team at the Park, in Nether Langwith Quarry, near Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, were among the winners of ‘The Right Advice and Experiences’ award at a virtual ceremony on 11 December.

The winners at the inaugural Purpose Coalition Awards, Breaking Down Barriers, were selected by a panel of judges who have demonstrated a passion for social mobility and equity.

The award from the Purpose Coalition caps off a successful year for Tarmac’s learning and development team. The Professional Operator Development Programme (PODP) apprenticeship programme delivered at the Park received an Outstanding rating from Ofsted in September following its first full inspection.

The PODP is designed around three apprenticeship standards: mineral processing mobile and static plant operator, mineral and construction product sampling and testing operations and road surfacing operative. All are delivered through a series of workshops, e-learning modules and practical on-the-job training. The Park is also used for other workplace training, including early careers graduate programmes.

Harriet Slatter, HR director for UK materials at Tarmac, said: ‘We’re so proud that the work of Peter Kay and the team at the National Skills and Safety Park has been recognized by the Purpose Coalition. It’s especially important for us as the panel of judges recognized the efforts to encourage social mobility and create a workplace where everyone belongs and has the opportunity to succeed.

‘Being named as an outstanding apprenticeship provider by Ofsted in September 2023 was a massive achievement, especially as the Park only opened in 2020. And this award was a fitting end to a year of success for the team.’