Minerals Matter celebrates inaugural Ambassador Awards
Vital role of youth outreach and education in the spotlight at 2024 IQ Fellows’ Lunch in Birmingham
MINERALS Matter presented its inaugural Ambassador Awards during the prestigious Institute of Quarrying (IQ) Fellows’ Lunch and Institute of Asphalt Technology (IAT) Student Awards, held on 8 November 2024 at Symphony Hall, Birmingham. Minerals Matter is an initiative of the Mineral Products Qualifications Council (MPQC), collaborating with the minerals products sector to tackle shared recruitment, diversity, and succession issues.
The IQ Fellows Lunch, an annual gathering of senior professionals and leaders in the quarrying and extractives industry, celebrates the achievements of future leaders in the sector and serves as a significant platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and recognition of excellence within the sector.
As part of this year’s event, Minerals Matter spotlighted the vital role of youth outreach and education, culminating in the Minerals Matter ambassador awards, which honour outstanding efforts to inspire the next generation of industry talent.
The awards acknowledge the exceptional dedication of individuals and organizations who have gone above and beyond in reaching, educating, and inspiring young people about the dynamic career opportunities in the mineral products industry. The awards were presented across three categories: School Outreach, Community Outreach, and Company Commitment.
School Outreach Award: Linzi McDade, geology manager, Breedon
Linzi McDade was awarded the School Outreach Award for her remarkable engagement in educational initiatives aimed at school-aged students. Over the past year, Ms McDade organized 19 activities, including STEM career days and site tours for local primary schools in Scotland, reaching 1,331 students and dedicating 48 volunteer hours. Her proactive outreach efforts exemplified the impact of early industry exposure in shaping future career interests.
Community Outreach Award: Hazen Bowskill, quarry operations manager, Aggregate Industries – Heights Quarry
Hazen Bowskill was recognized with the Community Outreach Award for his commitment to community engagement through events that connect students and educators with industry insights. Through more than 10 outreach activities, including STEM sessions at the Locomotion Museum, mock interview sessions, and career fairs, Mr Bowskill engaged 2,527 young people, contributing 38 hours of his time. His dedication to introducing youth to the quarrying industry underscores the role of community-centred learning in career inspiration.
Company Commitment Award: Heidelberg Materials UK
Heidelberg Materials UK received the Company Commitment Award for their exceptional investment in workforce development through outreach. Over the past year, 33 Heidelberg Minerals Matter ambassadors volunteered a combined 178 hours, delivering 47 activities, including speed networking sessions, career fairs, and talks across the UK. Reaching over 5,000 students, Heidelberg Materials’ consistent commitment to youth engagement embodies the company’s dedication to securing the future of the extractives industry.
Hannah Higley, future careers manager with Minerals Matter, said: ‘We are grateful to the Institute of Quarrying for giving us a platform to recognize the diligence of individuals and companies in the essential work of supporting our succession efforts for the mineral products sector. With more than 90 Minerals Matter ambassadors now engaged with young people and the education sector, we can inform the next generation about the wealth of career opportunities there are and how their career aspirations are so well fulfilled by our sector.’
