HEIDELBERG Materials’ Whatley quarry is helping to support the next generation of engineers by giving a local student valuable hands-on workplace experience as part of a new Engineering T Level partnership.

The company has teamed up with Somerset Studio School in Radstock, part of the MNSP Trust, and the Somerset Earth Science Centre to deliver an industry placement that runs alongside classroom learning.

The initiative offers students practical insight into engineering careers while helping to address skills shortages in the construction and quarrying sector.

Seventeen-year-old Harrison T, from Frome, is currently completing his placement at Whatley quarry, spending one day a week on site as part of the 45-day industry placement required for the qualification. The course is equivalent to three A Levels and is designed to prepare young people for skilled employment, further study, or apprenticeships.

During his time at the quarry, Harrison is gaining experience across a wide range of disciplines. These include learning about different materials and product types, understanding health and safety procedures, and working alongside both the mechanical maintenance teams and the electrical department. The placement is designed to give students a realistic picture of how a major quarry operates and the variety of roles involved.

Harrison said the experience has given him opportunities that go far beyond the classroom. He said: “My industry placement at Whatley quarry is a great opportunity to see engineering in action. I’m learning how plant and machinery, including the wash plant, are maintained, how safety is managed and how different teams work together to support the quarry’s operations.

“It’s giving me skills I wouldn’t get in a classroom alone, and I’m excited to pursue a career in the construction industry after completing this course.”

The placement is being delivered in collaboration with the Somerset Earth Science Centre, an organisation that focuses on educating people about the mineral extraction industry and its relationship with the environment. The centre works closely with local schools and colleges to promote understanding of quarrying and the role it plays in everyday life.

Vincent Pitt, area manager at Heidelberg Materials, said the company sees T Levels as a key part of developing future talent. “The T Level qualification is an important addition to our early careers pipeline,” he said. “It introduces young people to careers in quarrying and construction, and we hope it will help to address the skills shortages across the sector.”

Dr Gill Odolphie, education manager at the Somerset Earth Science Centre, said the partnership has already attracted wider interest.

“This is a great way to get young people into our industry, and we already have other colleges lining up wanting placements for their students,” she said. “We’re glad to have been able to help facilitate this and hats off to the amazing team at Whatley for supporting students.”

Heidelberg Materials is one of the world's largest integrated manufacturers of building materials and solutions with leading market positions in cement, aggregates and ready-mixed concrete. They are represented in over 50 countries with around 51,000 employees at almost 3,000 locations.