Achieve Your Career Potential with IQ

11 July, 2022

First published in the June 2022 issue of Quarry Management

Reasons to visit the IQ stand at Hillhead 2022

What skills do I need to become a quarry manager? What training do I need to enhance my knowledge? What career pathways are available to me?

No matter what the question, the Institute of Quarrying (IQ) can provide the answer on its stand at Hillhead 2022. The professional body for people working in the mineral products industry will be using the exhibition to showcase the value of IQ membership, as well as providing a chance for members and industry professionals to meet the IQ team.

IQ chief executive officer James Thorne explains: ‘After a gap of four years, everyone at the Institute of Quarrying is looking forward to meeting colleagues from across the industry once again. Hillhead is the largest exhibition of its kind anywhere in the world, so it provides the perfect platform for us to promote the value and benefits of IQ membership to visitors who are looking for help, advice, and guidance on getting on in their careers.

‘Pop along and see us on our stand to find out how we support you throughout your career. Membership is open to individuals across all roles in the industry. And as your experience in the industry grows, so IQ membership advances with you.

‘Our international role and influence continue to grow. With currently more than four million people working in quarries across the globe[1], it’s imperative that we also play our part in raising professional standards – from health and safety to sustainable practices and care for the environment. You can find out more by chatting with our stand team.’

Throughout the week, all members of the IQ team will be available in the exhibition area to answer questions, with specialisms in areas such as membership, education and training, educational pathways, and the IQ Benevolent Fund (IQBF). James Thorne, chief executive officer, will be joined by Julian Smallshaw, head of education and standards; Sarah Fry, head of marketing and membership; Manisha Morar, learning and development officer; Anthony Elgey, education and skills project manager; Wanda Zablocki, IQBF welfare officer and industry STEM ambassador; Debbie White, IQ membership officer; Louise White, IQ events co-ordinator; and Isaac Azim, digital marketing and social media manager.

IQ Personal Development Wheel

Over the past 18 months, the IQ has gathered analysis on industry best practice concerning professional development, as well as responding to member feedback to inform a programme of software enhancements to improve the IQ member experience. This has led to the development of IQ’s Personal Development Wheel, a new tool that helps mineral products professionals map current skills and knowledge against the IQ Skills Wheel. Members of IQ will be able to experience it for the first time at Hillhead 2022 (see pages 38-39).

The new tool fits within the broader IQ Skills Wheel, allowing members to carry out an effective self-audit of knowledge and skills levels. Using the results of the audit, members can create a personalized development plan in the areas they wish to develop in order to achieve career goals.

IQ Connect

Also on IQ’s stand will be information about IQ Connect. This innovative, simple-to-navigate, mobile app provides members with access to learning materials and the latest industry best practice and allows them to view and register for IQ events. The app is a useful and easily accessible pocket resource to manage your membership and easily record CPD activities, and includes access to a range of industry advice from the HSE and QNJAC, as well as the latest guide for handling soils in mineral workings. The app also curates past IQ webinars and factsheets mapped to IQ’s Skills Wheel.

IQ membership is with you all the way

Julian Smallshaw, IQ’s head of education and standards, says: ‘We want all members to reap the valuable benefits that are available to them at all stages of their careers. This includes professional development – from higher learning qualifications to knowledge training to accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units.

‘Learning and development with IQ is tailored around your needs and where you want your career to go. Courses include L3 Certificate in Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) Knowledge; ILM L3 Certificate in Leadership & Management Practice; and our CPD Select Series.

‘We also work with companies to create bespoke programmes that directly meet the skills and competency needs of their workforces.’

IQ members Ean Noble MIQ and Peter Williamson FIQ have experienced the benefits first hand. Ean, who works for Tyrone International Ltd, says: ‘IQ membership supports me in my day-to-day work activities, enabling me to progress my career.’ Peter Williamson, business systems director at Knights Brown Construction Ltd, adds: ‘The network of IQ members and associates spans the globe. We look after each other because we know what we do matters.’

Inspiring future generations

Hillhead visitors will also be able to find out more about IQ’s recent merger with the National Stone Centre (NSC) in Derbyshire. James Thorne explains: ‘Our role is to promote the positive impact of the industry, the career opportunities available, and support the professionals working within it, which we have done for over 100 years. Now, by merging with the National Stone Centre, we have an exciting opportunity to go further in our role than ever before.

‘As a membership organization, IQ remains focused on supporting and developing professionals in the industry. Moving to the NSC will put us in the heart of Derbyshire, where quarrying has a rich heritage and generates £2.1 billion Gross Value Added (GVA) per year to the national economy.

‘Relocating our offices to the NSC means we will be able to visibly demonstrate the compelling story of the industry; how it has evolved through its history to the high standards it operates to today and the valuable contribution it makes for local communities and the environment.

‘The site also offers huge scope for additional membership value. The facilities available at the NSC provide new opportunities for us to expand our services for members and the quarrying and mineral products industry. As we settle in, we will be encouraging members to visit us and, at the same time, enjoy a visit to the NSC.’

For more information about the Institute of Quarrying, call in at the IQ stand at Hillhead 2022 or visit: www.quarrying.org

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