Future Industry Leaders Celebrate Graduation from the University of Derby

Over 60 students, representing a wide range of quarry operators and associated industries, have graduated successfully from the University of Derby’s Centre for Mineral Products.

The awards ceremony was hosted at Derby Arena, with degrees presented to graduates by Mark Osbaldeston, Head of Centre for Mineral Products. Among the graduates was Dave Owen MIQ, Asphalt Plant Manager at Aggregate Industries’ Astley Asphalt Plant quarry in Greater Manchester. Dave is only the second person to achieve a first-class honours degree on a course at the University of Derby’s Centre for Mineral Products, developed in partnership with the Institute of Quarrying (IQ).

Dave received a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. He says: “It’s extremely rewarding to receive recognition of my hard work and application. My year cohort was drawn from a wide range of businesses and backgrounds and everyone really applied themselves to the course.  

“I joined Aggregate Industries in 2007. Twelve years on I’m able to add real value to the business. My dissertation titled ‘Using bitumen additives to maximise the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP)’ was really well received, both by the university and Aggregate Industries. I’m excited to see how I can take that learning and apply it in my role as Asphalt plant Manager.”

 Mark Osbaldeston says: “I’m personally delighted for every individual. Your hard work and determination have earned you a globally recognised qualification that can be applied in the world of work. Many congratulations.”

 

James Thorne, Chief Executive Officer at IQ, adds: “What a fantastic achievement by Dave and all of this year’s cohort; I was honoured to attend the ceremony and celebrate with you all.

 

“The Institute of Quarrying is extremely proud of the partnership with the University of Derby, which is helping raise standards of professionalism throughout the industry. I look forward to celebrating with more and more individuals and operators as the course continues to flourish.”

 The academic qualifications, from higher apprenticeships through to honours degrees, go hand in hand with everyday operations in the quarrying industry.

Professor Judith Lamie, Pro Vice-Chancellor External Affairs at the University of Derby, adds: “In partnership with the industry's professional bodies, the University’s Centre for Mineral Products prides itself on delivering globally recognised qualifications to the mineral products sector. On behalf of everyone at the University, congratulations to this year’s graduates.”

Sixty-two students graduated from the University of Derby Centre for Mineral Products, representing a total of 14 companies from across the UK. These include Tarmac; Aggregate Industries; Hanson; Breedon; Imerys; Highways England; Lagan Asphalt; Telford County Council; FCC Environment; Cemex; Francis Flower; Leiths; MQP and Mapei.

For more information visit: quarrying.org.

  • group pf people sat around a table having a drink
  • A group of academic staff standing in their graduation gowns in front of Derby County football club
  • A group of students standing in their cap and downs in front of Derby County Football ground
  • Head of Centre for Minerals stands in cap and gown with some graduates
  • Academic shakes the hand of a man in a cap and down holding a certificate
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  • Full group image of all of the attendees from the graduation
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