Whatever the weather – Hillhead shines for the industry!

Once again we have reached that point in our calendar where all attention turns to Hillhead. In the summer the Peaks are beautiful, but seasoned Hillhead visitors will know you can expect anything from snow to gales to glorious sunshine. 

As the event has grown over the years it has become the focal point for the industry – a place to catch up with what is new and emerging in our sector, to meet suppliers and talk to manufacturers. Hillhead provides a valuable source of continuing professional development (CPD) for IQ members and the chance to network with others in the industry.

This year’s show is a great opportunity for IQ to demonstrate the progress it has made on the IQ pledge. Launched at last year’s conference, the pledge is our commitment to members and the industry to deliver more. We have already seen commitment from across the industry and Hillhead provides a perfect platform for more operators to take the pledge.

In other areas we have been pushing ahead with new service innovations, including our new ‘Lunch and Learn’ webinars, plus a selection of new factsheets. These explore a wide range of issues, from the change in regulations on water abstraction to managing change within your organization. 

All of the issues that we address align with the IQ Skills Wheel. The Skills Wheel sets out the core competencies for those working in the sector. It provides a great way to structure your CPD recording and is reflected in our CPD app. The app is an easy way to record your CPD, especially when you are on the move. You can even upload pictures to form part of your record.

Alongside membership work, our education team will be at the show to talk through your training needs. In the last 12 months we have launched our Level 3 SHE VQ and Level 3 ILM Leadership and Management courses, enhancing our provision for those in the industry with site responsibility. 

As the professional membership body for the quarrying sector, we will be launching our new materials highlighting how you can progress through the membership pathways and how this relates to your career. As we look to encourage new talent into the industry it is important that we can showcase the careers on offer and how to achieve them. 

Competition for the next generation of the workforce is strong and we are playing our part by supporting the ‘Inspiring Futures’ initiative that is also exhibiting at Hillhead. The initiative is building a cohort of STEM ambassadors to promote the industry, its products and careers.

For the team at IQ Hillhead is a great chance to catch up with existing members, as well as potential new members, and listen to what they need from the Institute. It is also an opportunity to engage with the wider industry and show how we are helping to support those working in it. 

Personally, I will be at Hillhead on Tuesday 26 June and will be happy to discuss any element of the Institute, its programme and its ambitions.

Come and see us on stand RB26, right in the heart of the registration area.