The partnership sees many Aggregate Industries employees become part of the IAT throughout the UK, Ireland and overseas, offering benefits and opportunities for the Surfacing Solutions business division and its employees and customers.
As well as strengthening its presence amongst small and medium specifiers and contractors, the IAT collaboration will open up networking opportunities and a talent pipeline for future construction professionals and the utilisation of an apprenticeship levy, encouraging more young people into a skilled workforce.
Employees at Aggregate Industries will also reap the benefits of this new partnership, with access to online professional development events, a tailored training provision and a clear route to achieve professional qualifications through the IAT’s library of technical publications, videos and discounted training days.
By arming its employees and future leaders of the construction industry with greater knowledge and expertise on the asphalt industry and product innovations, Aggregate Industries hopes to provide customers with an enhanced service and user experience.
In addition to the variety of employee benefits, Aggregate Industries’ new regional director, Victoria Smith, will be taking a seat on the IAT Council, demonstrating the business’ visible leadership within this sector and its continued focus on developing asphalt products. Victoria has worked for Aggregate Industries for 17 years across its aggregates, asphalt, concrete and contracting divisions and now leads the Surfacing Solutions team in the North and Midlands.
Thomas Edgcumbe, managing director of Surfacing Solutions at Aggregate Industries, said: “Our Surfacing Solutions division has recently celebrated its first anniversary since we combined our market-leading asphalt and contracting teams, and we’re delighted to be taking this next step within our business to continue our focus on asphalt excellence and invest in our team. As we look ahead to developing our surfacing products, this collaboration with the IAT is the perfect way to take the division to the next level, allowing us to be surrounded with like-minded experts in the industry, and learn and share best practice, ultimately for the benefit of our customers.
“We look forward to the education and networking opportunities that our team will be able to gain, helping us to grow within the industry and further our knowledge.”
The IAT is a working body for asphalt technology professionals involved in all aspects of manufacturing, placing, technology and uses of materials containing asphalt or bitumen. It aims to promote the use of asphalt through education, shared knowledge and networking.
Lyle Andrew, executive director at the Institute of Asphalt Technology, comments: “We welcome Aggregate Industries as our latest partner and are thrilled that Victoria Smith will be joining our Council, enabling us all to develop the next generation of asphalt professionals, products and specifications.
“We hope the recognition and endorsement of the employees being part of the IAT supports Aggregate Industries’ Surfacing Solutions team to attract and retain the best talent, enhance engagement with colleagues and showcase their best practice, especially in sustainable asphalt product development.”
