Joshua Mason, Tarmac

Every day is different. Your day rarely turns out how you expect.

What really captures my imagination is the constant problem solving involved in running a quarry operation.

“It’s quite a change of career but I haven’t regretted it for one minute. I realised I wanted a job that made me excited to get up each day. I’d never considered quarrying as something that would interest me, but a friend mentioned a position that was going at Tarmac and the rest is history.

“I started with Tarmac on a higher apprenticeship programme at the University of Derby. It’s a three year foundation degree course in Mineral Products Technology. You learn on the job, as much of the programme is work based, supported by online learning and project weeks at the University and in the field.

The Higher Apprenticeship in Mineral Products Technology has been designed in partnership with industry and the Institute of Quarrying and the Mineral Products Qualifications Council.

Josh continues: “I’ve learned about a number of aspects of the mineral extractives industry, from operations and mineral processing to finance and business management. The course has equipped me with really useful knowledge that is directly applicable to what I do in my day-to-day role.

“What I love about the job is that every day is different. It sounds like a cliché but it’s true. Even with the best will in the world, your day rarely turns out how you expect.

“Plus there are so many different aspects to the industry. As part of getting to understand more about Tarmac’s operations I’ve been exposed to a number of operations across the Central and Wales region. My first role was in asphalt, something totally different to what I had experienced before. I found the asphalt process very interesting so I was intrigued to see what else this industry had to offer.

“What really captures my imagination is the constant problem solving involved in running a quarry operation. And that’s where my future lies. Operations is the beating heart of what we do and it gives me a real buzz. I’m keen to learn about and experience different quarry operations as each is unique.

“I graduated in July and I’m now really looking forward to the next stage of my career. I’m five months into my role as Assistant Quarry Manager. I’m ambitious and determined to continue to develop and progress in this industry."

Be an IQ member and see where your career takes you