“I have daily responsibility for the quarry’s processing plant production, product quality and management. My jurisdiction begins after the first stage of crushing. We take the stone from 200mm in size to dust particles. Basically, using large plant we separate all the stone into similar sizes and then we have the ability to blend them back together. The size, shape and proportions of each size of stone in each product are important and are detailed by industry specifications.

An integral part of my job is to ensure that the plant is running correctly to allow materials to be made to meet the correct specification. This involves organising inspections of plant, basic maintenance, altering feed rates and troubleshooting if things go wrong. I also get involved in adapting the plant and product flows to ensure that we are producing the correct quantities and quality of materials that we require.

A team of 25 men all work together using their skills to ensure that production and quality are consistent. Daily management of the team is my responsibility. This involves assigning job duties, scheduling to accommodate for illness or holidays but also securing the health, safety and environmental performance of each man. The improvement and implementation of these management systems is central to my job role. I have an obligation to assure that each employee goes home safely at the end of their shift.

All employees must be competent at their jobs, so ongoing training and development of individuals adds to the flexibility of the team. Training will range from job skills, toolbox talks and external courses. It is my job to identify and organise training needs.

I usually arrive at work for 8am and leave at 5pm, but I am required to work longer hours where necessary.

I have taken some very specific training including shot firing, blast design, and health and safety management. I started with the company in 1997 and they sponsored me through college. This meant that not only was I paid to go to university, I also managed to leave with 18 months of relevant work experience already. This was made possible because I was able to work for the quarry during the holidays and the degree programme allowed time spent out in industry also. I completed 3 years at Doncaster College followed by an additional year at Leeds University, resulting in a B.Eng. Degree in Quarry Engineering.

I enjoy the job because it is so varied, and one day is never the same as the next. The role allows me to develop my own professional and management skills in a challenging environment.