Creating Future Leaders
First published in the December 2018 issue of Quarry Management
The Institute of Quarrying launches its vision for creating the leaders of the future and celebrates the IQ Student Awards 2018
The Tower of London has stood tall over the centuries as all around it has changed. The scene of so much history, it provided a fitting backdrop for the first IQ Fellows’ Lunch, at which the Institute of Quarrying (IQ) unveiled its ‘Creating Future Leaders’ vision and celebrated the IQ Student Awards 2018.
Change was clearly on the agenda as more than 80 distinguished representatives from across the quarrying industry were greeted by Moira Cameron, the first female Yeoman Warder in over 500 years of the Tower’s history. Her pioneering role set the tone for the afternoon as she was followed on stage by the Institute’s new President, Phil Redmond.
Mr Redmond explains: ‘It is no accident that we chose the Tower of London as the venue for our launch. It provided us with a great reminder of how our industry has underpinned the UK’s economy for many centuries. Indeed, our industry is fundamental to the UK and to the global economy.
‘The IQ Fellows’ Lunch was about thanking our Fellows for their commitment and application to the industry. It also provided the perfect platform from which to celebrate the IQ Student Awards 2018, which acknowledge the exceptional personal achievements of students from the University of Derby’s Centre for Mineral Products Professional Development.
‘On the back of such success, it seemed only fitting to launch IQ’s headline strategy, setting out our core aims and objectives for the next three years. It marks another step in our journey to increase our efforts to meet the challenges of the future and to support our members and the industry through these challenges.’
Creating future leaders
IQ’s ‘Creating Future Leaders’ strategy is a road map for future success. It distils IQ’s aspirations to become a leading international membership organization, representing the interests and professional development of all people working in the mineral extractives sector.
Mr Redmond continues: ‘The pace of change within the mineral extractives industry is accelerating and our vision is to be at the forefront of these changes. The way in which information and data are being consumed is changing the very foundations of the way we work. IQ’s strengths are in attracting and developing the leadership talent that the industry needs now and in the future. We also recognize that in an increasingly globalized sector, IQ can be the beacon for professionals in mineral extractives across the globe.
‘Our new strategy has evolved over the last couple of years into an inspirational opportunity to make the Institute more valued than ever for the future. Achieving that, and making it both relevant and meaningful internationally, is the result of close collaboration with our global IQ partners in Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Africa and New Zealand.’
The four cornerstones of IQ’s new strategy include becoming the global leader in standards for the sector, driving innovation and operational best practice, supporting the industry in driving healthy, sustainable workplaces, and promoting the positive impact of the industry and profession.
Through the IQ Skills Wheel and partnership collaborations, IQ will establish a benchmark for competency that is widely recognized, whilst signposting individuals to relevant professional development from all parts of the industry.
Recognizing excellence
At the heart of creating the industry’s future leaders is the University of Derby’s Centre for Mineral Products Professional Development. The Centre works closely with IQ and other key industry bodies and organizations to develop and deliver qualifications tailored to the needs of employers. Students working across the mineral extractives sector gain valuable academic and hands-on experience, studying a range of qualifications, from higher apprenticeships to diplomas and degree courses.
Each year, University of Derby students who have excelled academically in their own field are presented with an award from IQ in recognition of their outstanding achievement and continuous commitment to the mineral extractives industry.
This year eight students received IQ Student Awards for excellence. The winners were: Robin Gillespie of Hanson UK for Best Honours Degree Student 2018; Tarmac’s Lee Preater for Best Foundation Degree 2018; Ashley Lockyer and Craig MacMillan, both from Aggregate Industries, for Best Higher Apprentice 2018 and Best Foundation Degree Student 2018 respectively; Hanson UK’s Danielle Thompson, first year student, and Tarmac’s Gary Meredith, second year student, for Foundation and Certificate Year respectively; Jason Tomlins of Brett for Best UK Diploma Student 2018; and Martin Lillis of CRH plc for Best International Diploma Student 2018.
James Thorne, IQ’s chief executive officer, says: ‘The University of Derby’s Centre for Mineral Products Professional Development is a beacon for excellence in our industry. Our compelling partnership with the University of Derby delivers tailored learning for young people interested in developing a career in our sector, as well as for those already working in mineral extraction.
‘The IQ Student Awards recognize excellence and each winner has demonstrated exceptional achievements in their chosen field. The burgeoning popularity of Derby’s courses is a great indication of the powerful pipeline of talent emerging into the industry, as well as already embedded in the sector. That means we’re well on the road to creating future leaders.’
