ANNUAL REVIEW 2021
New Educational Programmes to Enhance your Career in Mineral Products by Julian Smallshaw, Head of Education and Standards at the Institute of Quarrying Working alongside a number of respected sector professionals and organisations, an updated course curriculum has been introduced at the University of Derby Centre for Minerals Products. In addition, a new suite of tailored online e-learning programmes is now available to members and non-members of the IQ. Julian Smallshaw is IQ Head of Education and Standards. He explains: “Competence sits at the very heart of what we stand for as a profession in delivering safe, healthy and efficient outcomes for our sector. So it’s essential that today’s and tomorrow’s workforce is equipped with the appropriate skills required to operate in roles that are ever more focused on the application of technology, as well as new working practices and standards. “According to the Government Office for Science investment in skills and encouraging lifelong learning can have a positive impact on productivity. Not only is continuing professional development (CPD) critical to increasing prosperity in the UK, it delivers considerable benefits to society as a whole. “Knowledgeable employees are more productive, better motivated and more loyal; 94 percent of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career development, and 80 percent of people agree that learning new skills would make them more engaged.”
MODIFIED COURSES AT THE CENTRE FOR MINERAL PRODUCTS The IQ, along with a number of respected industry professionals, has taken a key role in leading a major 18-month project to update the overarching course curriculum at the University of Derby Centre for Minerals Products. This unique partnership of organisations brings together accumulated professional expertise and industry knowledge from a wide range of backgrounds to shape the new curriculum. Contributors include the IQ, Institute of Asphalt Technology, Concrete Society, Road Surface Treatment Association, International Clay Technology
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Association and staff from the Centre for Mineral Products. Mark Osbaldeston, Head of Centre for Mineral Products at the University of Derby, explains: “These qualifications enable a clear progression path to those employed in the sector, both nationally and internationally, who wish to enhance their career and life-long learning opportunities. “While course materials are continuously reviewed to ensure content reflects the needs of the industry, the current foundation degrees and diplomas were five-years-old and due for a major review under University rules and procedures. It was an opportunity to refresh, update and simplify the curriculum, content and structure, including areas requested by industry stakeholders such as digitalisation and increased sustainability. “As a result, the new structure is simpler, with the foundation degrees now including a dedicated work based project and study skills modules. Additionally, the validation exercise will allow content updates and introduction of new materials in ‘industry specific’ engineering, business and technology modules.” The University of Derby Centre for Mineral Products is the only provider of
quarrying and mineral products industry specific higher-level professional education. Its courses deliver industry standard and globally recognised qualifications to the mineral products sector. In partnership with key partner bodies, its qualifications have been developed to ensure they represent the training needs of the sector and employers. The Centre’s suite of interconnected blended learning programmes cover five pathway specific areas of study. These include Mineral Extractives Technology, Asphalt and Pavement Technology, Concrete Technology, Cement Technology and Clay Technology. There are currently 18 qualifications available. These range from the BSc (Hons) in Minerals Management; Foundation Science degrees (FdSc) in Mineral Extractives Technology; Asphalt and Pavement Technology; Clay Technology; Concrete Technology; and Cement Technology; and a Higher Apprenticeship in Mineral Products Technology to university diplomas in Mineral Extractive Studies; Asphalt and Pavement Studies; Road Surface Treatments; Clay Studies; Concrete Studies; and Cement Studies; a University Certificate in Concrete Technology, and
