In the first eight months since the
The IQ Centennial Pledge has been developed in collaboration with businesses representing independent operators and multinationals. Its ambition is to engage everyone involved in the mineral extractives supply chain in continuing professional development (CPD) - from extractors to contractors, apprentices to managing directors.
James Thorne, IQ’s chief executive officer, said: “This is about unlocking the latent potential of people working in our industry and giving everyone the opportunity to be their best. It’s also about ensuring that we are all committed to, and observe, good practice. That means being at the top of our game in mission critical areas, such as health and safety.
“I’m personally delighted to see the level of engagement that the IQ Pledge has received. We are now pulling together to turn these valued commitments into new memberships. As ambassadors for the minerals extractives industry, achieving member status is a clear marker of both a personal and corporate commitment to achieving excellence.”
Trailblazing organisations already pledging commitment include Aggregate Industries, CEMEX UK, EPC-UK, FCC Environment, Grundon, Hanson UK, Longcliffe Calcium Carbonates, Quarry Design, Raymond Brown, Sibelco, Tarmac, Glendinning and John Wainwright & Co.
Pierce Kirwan is quarry manager at Craigantlet Quarry, Northstone Materials, Northern Ireland. CPD opportunities available through IQ membership have helped Pierce progress in his career. He says: “It sounds clichéd, but everyday my role is different, with a new challenge or problem to solve and a wide range of skills needed.
“The wide range of educational training available to IQ members is a huge strength of the industry. Plus the benefits of meeting with like-minded individuals and being part of a broader professional community should not be underestimated. Learning at technical evenings and from the experience of other members has been very important to my own personal development.”
James Thorne continues: “We recognise the importance of continuing professional development (CPD), which can be critical to future business growth and personal development.
“I strongly believe that valued employees working in mineral extraction are motivated to remain here and young people starting out on a career are attracted by a culture of personal and professional improvement. As part of the Pledge, we will share best practice through face-to-face and online forums globally; as well as developing and shaping new technical guidance for our professionals. That's all about ensuring our members receive the best value, both in the UK and internationally.”
With over 34,0001 people directly employed in mineral extraction, IQ is on a mission to boost membership to more than 5,000 by 2021. To help achieve this, at Hillhead IQ will be launching its new membership pathway materials to demonstrate the benefit and value of being an IQ member.
Support will be provided to organisations to embed the IQ membership pathway in apprenticeship and graduate schemes, whilst the IQ Skills Wheel will become the benchmark for competence and capability across the sector. IQ will also collaborate with sector stakeholders to support and share the work of QNJAC.
In return, the industry will commit to supporting IQ development by ensuring all relevant employees become IQ members. Supporting students and apprentices to become members and encouraging employees to progress through membership grades. The industry will also become a free-flowing source of case studies and examples of best practice accessible to IQ members, provide speakers and support IQ events and engage in research and share innovation to help develop the profession.
