MPA supports the launch of the PRIME project at Hillhead 2014

The 2897 Mineral Products Association (MPA) has welcomed the official launch of the Professional Recognition In Mineral Extraction (PRIME) project.

The MPA-sponsored initiative, launched at the recent 427 Hillhead 2014 show near Buxton, England, has been partly funded by a grant from UKCES (UK Commission for Employment and Skills), and has received universal support from the mineral products industry. It is being delivered by the 2904 Institute of Quarrying and MPQC, supported by a steering group representing producers, contractors, suppliers, and trade associations.

The project represents a key turning point in bringing about a cultural change with more worker engagement, involvement, recognition and the retention of experienced highly trained individuals, linked with a longer term goal of improving the external image of the sector, making it more attractive to future recruits.

Nigel Jackson, chief executive MPA, joined other launch speakers, Cedric Hollinsworth, chairman MPQC; Martin Riley, managing director, aggregates and asphalt, 7235 Lafarge Tarmac; Jason Howlett, director Equipment Solutions, 3006 Finning, UK and Ireland; Ben Williams, managing director EPC Group UK, and Roy Bush, HM Inspector, 2938 Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

He stated that MPA is proud to be in the vanguard of this initiative and to be able to help deliver the aims of PRIME, saying: “This is an important industry asset which unites the industry as it tries to make the vision of a professional, competent and innovative workforce and sector from top to bottom a reality.

“We want a culture that gives everyone both personal and shared pride in what they do and what we do collectively. Connecting with potential recruits of all ages and particularly youth and selling the benefits of this great industry is vital. Culturally we must make clear that we genuinely value and recognise skills and proven competence at all levels and in all disciplines and will work to make it possible.”

This emphasis on partnership continued on MPA’s Hillhead stand which focussed on Safer by Sharing, and the benefits that come from actively working together to achieve Zero Harm. Practical touch-screen demonstrations of the health and safety hub for the industry, Safequarry.com, and the participation of representatives from HSE’s Respiratory Interventions Unit, who demonstrated mask fitting and showcased the HSE’s new Quarry Partnership Team videos on dust control, drew a wide range of enthusiastic visitors to the stand.