Quarry worker

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through an intermediate apprenticeship as a mineral processing mobile and static plant operator.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got experience or qualifications in construction, mining, or operating heavy machinery like mechanical diggers.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• the ability to work on your own
• the ability to work well with your hands
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• physical fitness and endurance
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• physical skills like strength and coordination
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to enjoy working with other people
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• sensitivity and understanding
• observation and recording skills
• knowledge of maths
• thinking and reasoning skills
• active listening skills
• customer service skills
• leadership skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues

What you'll do:

Quarry workers dig out and process rock, slate, gravel and sand from quarries or mines.

In your day-to-day tasks you could:

• use mechanical diggers to excavate rock, clay, sand, gravel and slate
• operate equipment like rock crushers and stone graders
• use drilling equipment
• maintain vehicles and machinery
• set and detonate explosives
• transport materials in large trucks

Location : You could work at a quarry.
Environment : Your working environment may be cramped, physically demanding and dusty.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £16,000
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

40 - 45 hours a week

Working Pattern is weekends on shifts

Career Path:

With training and experience, you could become a site supervisor, mineral products technician or quarry manager. You could also move into:

• quality control
• explosives work - shotfiring
• health and safety inspection
• machine and plant maintenance
• laboratory work like testing samples